The Lumbini-Pilgrimage Record in Two Inscriptions
Summary
The Lumbini-Pilgrimage Record in Two Inscriptions (1928) examines two inscriptions documenting Aéoka’s pilgrimage to Lumbini: the Rummindei Pillar Inscription (incised on a broken pillar near Parariya, Nepal) and the Kapilesvar Stone-slab Inscription (discovered in Kapiledvar, Odisha). The Rummindei copy, designed in five lines with uniform margins, serves as the primary text, while the Kapilesvar version shows variations, slips, and omissions, including differences in spelling (e.g., *Devinampiyena* vs. *Devinampiyena*), slips like *visabhisitena* instead of *viseti-vasibhisitena*, and additions such as Kharoshthi letters. Despite unusual letter forms (e.g., *m*, *¢k*), the Kapilesvar script aligns broadly with Asokan Brahmi, though some characters exhibit atypical proportions or curvature. The text confirms the name *Svapna-vasavadatta-nataka* (feminine gender) over *Svapna-nitaka*, resolving scholarly debates. The inscriptions provide critical insights into Asokan epigraphy and pilgrimage records, with the Kapilesvar copy offering a slightly corrupted but largely consistent version of the Rummindei original.
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Conclusion
This study of the Lumbini-pilgrimage inscriptions offers critical insights into the historical documentation of Buddhist pilgrimage practices. The analysis of the Rumminder and Kapiledvar inscriptions reveals significant textual variations, slips, and omissions, highlighting the challenges in reconstructing historical records. The identification of the Trivandrum Drama as *Svapna-visavadatta* rather than *Svapna-nataka* clarifies longstanding scholarly debates, emphasizing the importance of linguistic precision in interpreting ancient texts. The inscriptions' distinct paleographic features, including design inconsistencies and script anomalies, further underscore the complexity of Asokan-era epigraphy. By juxtaposing these inscriptions, the study demonstrates how minor discrepancies can illuminate broader patterns of inscriptional production and transmission, offering a nuanced understanding of early Buddhist historical writing. These findings contribute to a more accurate and contextualized interpretation of Lumbini's role in Buddhist tradition.