પાશુપતાચાર્ય મેઘરાશિનું તામ્રપત્ર
By Lakshmanbhai Bhojak
Summary
This Gujarati article deals with a copperplate issued by the Pasupata Acharya Meghrashi in Vikram Samvat 1131. The author provides a transcription of the two plates, which detail the donation of land, irrigation facilities and a water reservoir to a community of ascetics or scholars. The document begins with a devotional invocation and proceeds to describe the extent and boundaries of the land, the conditions under which it was granted, and the names of the localities and recipients involved. The article analyses the legal terminology used in the charter and notes the religious and social motivations behind such endowments. By comparing this plate with other known Pasupata charters, the author identifies patterns in the sect’s patronage and its relationship with local rulers. The article highlights that the grant was intended to support educational and ascetic activities, illustrating the integration of religious authority and land management. It also underscores the importance of water management in medieval Gujarat, as the explicit mention of a reservoir indicates an awareness of agricultural needs. The author concludes by emphasising the historical significance of the copperplate and encourages further research into Pasupata inscriptions.
Conclusion
The analysis of Meghrashi’s copperplate demonstrates how religious leaders used land grants to sustain institutions and influence local economies. By translating and interpreting the charter, the article contributes to our understanding of Pasupata history, medieval land administration and the role of water resources. It calls for comprehensive cataloguing of similar inscriptions to shed light on regional variations in donation practices.