An Interesting Inscription of Cauhina Simharaja
By Ratna Chandra Agrawala
Summary
An Interesting Inscription of Cauhina Simharaja appears in the Miscellany section and discusses the Harsa Nath and Pithanwala inscriptions associated with the Cauhina (Chauhan) ruler Simharaja. The Harsa Nath inscription of Vikrama Samvat 1030 credits Simharaja with temple construction and conquests but gives limited genealogical information. A little‑known Pithanwala inscription, dated to the bright half of Pausha, Samvat 1013, is then introduced. It records donations by the mahant Durggaraja and other officials during Simharaja’s rule and uses the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’ for him, paralleling the Harsa Nath record. The author transliterates and translates the Sanskrit text, noting damaged portions and identifying names of donors and localities. By comparing the two inscriptions, the article argues that Simharaja was indeed a successor of Vakpatiraja I and the predecessor of Vigraharaja II, confirming the chronology suggested by later literary works. The Pithanwala record also demonstrates the active patronage of religious institutions by regional rulers and highlights the role of mahants in managing temple endowments. The article encourages historians to examine overlooked inscriptions preserved in local museums to refine dynastic histories.
Conclusion
By bringing the Pithanwala inscription to light, the author provides crucial evidence for the chronology of early Chauhan rulers. The record confirms Simharaja’s imperial title and reveals how donations were administered in eleventh‑century Rajasthan. Such findings demonstrate that even short inscriptions can significantly enhance our understanding of regional political history.