Old Brahmi Inscription of Mahasthan

Summary

This paper publishes a critical edition of an old Brahmi inscription from Mahasthan in Bengal. The epigraph, previously edited tentatively by D. R. Bhandarkar, is here re‑examined using the original stone, photograph and estampage. The author points out several misreadings in Bhandarkar’s transcription and offers corrected readings. He notes that the Mahasthan inscription shares letter forms and content with the Sohgaura copper plate, indicating a common early periodfile:///home/oai/share/article_pdfs/Old_Brahmi_Inscription_of_Mahasthan.pdf#:~:text=the%20Maha,Mahasthian%20record%20goes%2C%20the%2017811. The record begins by instructing that if trees or shade are given to the Sadvargiya community they should be conveyed accordingly, and it orders that the storehouse be filled with paddy, oil and coins such as gandakas and kakanikas for emergency usefile:///home/oai/share/article_pdfs/Old_Brahmi_Inscription_of_Mahasthan.pdf#:~:text=3.%20TRANSLATION%20,%E0%AA%B9%20vertical%20stroke%20wither%20of. Detailed commentary accompanies each line, discussing variant readings and palaeographic issuesfile:///home/oai/share/article_pdfs/Old_Brahmi_Inscription_of_Mahasthan.pdf#:~:text=1,no%20space%20for%20two%20letters. By comparing Sanskrit and Pali vocabulary, the author elucidates obscure terms and demonstrates that the record reflects administrative regulations similar to those of the Mauryan state. The paper thus not only refines the text but also underscores the continuity of early Indian administrative practices.