Dates of some Kakatiya Records
By Dineshchandra Sircar
Summary
This epigraphic note critiques the dates assigned to Kakatiya inscriptions in two Telugu publications, Kakatiya‑samcika and Telanganasasanasamulu, vol. I. The author points out more than ten cases where dates based on the Saka era and the Jupiter cycle of sixty years have been misread. By consulting the original stones and better facsimiles, he corrects these errors, showing that some inscriptions use the Vikrama era rather than the Saka era or misidentify the year name. Incorrect dates lead to unwarranted historical conclusions, such as theories advanced by Dr. Rama Rao. The author emphasises the need for editors to provide facsimile reproductions so that scholars can verify readings. By revising the dates, the paper refines the chronology of the Kakatiya dynasty and encourages more rigorous epigraphic scholarship.
Conclusion
This note underscores the necessity of rigorous epigraphic methodology in historical research. Misreading dates on inscriptions not only skews the chronology of the Kakatiya dynasty but also prompts speculative theories. Through careful re‑analysis, the author corrects several erroneous dates, refining our understanding of Kakatiya history and urging editors to include facsimile reproductions. Accurate dating is vital for reconstructing regional histories and for situating events within wider Indian chronology; scholars must therefore approach epigraphic evidence with precision and scepticism.