Sohgaura Copper-plate

The Sohgaura copper plate is among the earliest Indian inscriptions. This article revisits its text and argues that previous translations misunderstood a key term. The plate records orders to two state granaries: fodder, wheat and equipment must be kept ready and used only during emergencies; nothing should be removed for ordinary use. Earlier scholars interpreted atiyāyika as meaning ‘excess’ or ‘plenty’, implying that the stores were to be distributed when there was a surplus. By comparing Sanskrit and Pali sources, the author shows that atiyāyika should be rendered as ‘emergency’ or ‘urgent need’. Thus the record reflects a policy of disaster relief rather than disposal of surplus. The article situates the plate within Mauryan administration, noting that state granaries and emergency supplies were organised to mitigate famine and natural calamities. Through philological analysis, the study corrects earlier readings and underscores the sophistication of Mauryan statecraft.

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