A New Brahmi Inscription From Mathura
By N. G. Majumdar
Summary
A newly discovered Brahmi inscription from Mathura, discovered in May 1926 and deposited in the Mathura Museum, provides significant insights into pre-Kushan epigraphy. The inscription, on a 4'3" x 6" pillar fragment, features well-preserved Brahmi script with letter heights ranging between 2 and 17 mm. It commemorates a gift by Gotami Mitra, daughter of Visyomitra and mother of Indragibhadra, to a pillar. The text exhibits Prakrit language with a notable linguistic feature: the elongated vowel in *Indragibhadra* (Prakrit *Indragibhadra*), corresponding to the Sanskrit form. The inscription's palmography aligns it with the Utaradasaka inscription from the Kankalitila mound, though comparative analysis suggests a later date than previously assumed for pre-Kushan Mathura inscriptions. The letters display transitional characteristics between Mauryan and later Kushan forms, particularly in the angularity of *b* and the equalization of verticals in *m* and *ch*. These features, alongside the absence of older Mauryan letter types (e.g., *ksh*), position the inscription chronologically after the Parkham image inscription but before Saka satrap inscriptions. The discovery supports the classification of pre-Kushan Mathura inscriptions into three groups: early (Utaradasaka), Saka satrap, and "archaic." However, Bihler's distinction between the second and third groups is debated, as their alphabets are nearly identical. The inscription's script reflects an advanced stage of letter equalization, a trend evident in later Saka and Kushan epigraphy. Post-public
Conclusion
This newly discovered Brahmi inscription from Mathura significantly contributes to understanding the region's epigraphic evolution. Dating to the pre-Kushan era, it provides critical evidence for refining chronological frameworks of Mathura's inscriptions. Its palmographic features, particularly the transitional forms of letters like m and s, bridge the gap between earlier Utaradasaka-style scripts and later Saka satrap inscriptions, suggesting a continuous developmental trajectory rather than distinct groups. The inscription's unique orthographic variant, इंद्रागि-bhad (Indra-gibhadra), highlights regional linguistic tendencies in Prakrit. As the earliest known Mathura inscription, it predates previously assumed examples, offering a clearer timeline for early Brahmi adaptations in central India. The discovery underscores Mathura's role as a nexus of scriptural innovation during this formative period, enriching our understanding of Brahmi's regional diversification ahead of Kushan influence.