Dates of Early Historical Records of Bengal
By Dinesh Chandra Bhattacharya
Summary
The historical chronology of early Bengal remains challenging due to sparse and often undated epigraphic evidence, leading to reliance on regnal years and scholarly calculations. European scholars like Cunningham (831 AD for Dharmapala’s accession) and Venys (1014 AD for Vaidyadeva’s Kamauli plate) proposed dates, while Kielhorn dated the Amgachi plate of Vigrahapila to 1086 AD. However, Indian scholars initially neglected chronological reconstructions using new epigraphic and literary data, with some dismissing attempts as “quite useless” or “ridiculous.” A significant breakthrough emerged from calendrical records by Jimitavihana (11th century), detailing lunar calendar schemes (Purniminta and Amanta) using almanacs from 1013–1014 Saka (1093–1094 AD). Comparisons with modern calculations showed remarkable accuracy, with discrepancies of only 1–54 palas (minute fractions) in most cases. Exceptions included a 10-danda (40-minute) difference in one instance, likely due to textual errors. Jimitavihana’s approximate figures, subject to ±1–2 dandas, aligned closely with precise modern results, reinforcing the reliability of astronomical methods for chronology. These findings support the primacy of the Amanta scheme over Purniminta in Bengal, as Jimitavihana concluded, aligning with broader Hindu legal traditions. The study underscores the value of integrating epigraphic, literary, and astronomical data for accurate historical dating, despite persistent scholarly skepticism.
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Conclusion
This document highlights the challenges and progress in establishing a reliable chronology for early Bengal, particularly the Pala dynasty, amidst scarce and often undated epigraphic evidence. While early European scholars like Cunningham and Venis proposed dates based on limited data, their calculations faced skepticism from later scholars due to insufficient rigor. The discovery of 11th-century calendrical records by Jimitavihana offers a breakthrough, with precise astronomical calculations demonstrating remarkable accuracy when compared to modern computations. These findings underscore the potential of integrating astronomical data with epigraphic and literary sources to refine historical timelines, challenging the long-standing reluctance among scholars to adopt such methodologies. The document thus advocates for a more holistic approach to dating early Bengal, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary research in resolving historical uncertainties.