No. 22. Kanheri Buddhist cave inscription. Prakrit.
| From cave No. 86. The inscription is of one line on the back wall of the open gallery just by the side of the cemetary. The inscription is deeply cut on the honey-combed surface and commemorates the dedication of the cave by Nаgapаlita, a jeweller from Sopara along with his family. The Inscription measures 1.79 m x 8 cm. Letters 7 cm X 5 cm. Characters: Brаhmи 200 A.D. Language: Prakrit. Orthography: the medial 'i' in the word parivаra is written in omamental style. Burgess has pointed out that the alpha-bets are about the time of Puлumаvi. (ShG) |
| 1847 Bird, Hist. Res. p. 58, No. 16, and Plate XLII, 12; 1861 West, JBBRAS VI, p. 7, No. 23, and Plate; 1883 Buфhler, ASWI V, p. 82, No. 20; Luders list 1005; ShG No 46; |
| Lu: - A cave (lенa), the gift of the jeweller (manikara) Nаgapаlita, the [Sop]аrayaka (inhabitant of Щуrpаraka), with his family. |
TEXT.
1. [Siddhaм Sop]аrayakasa maнikаrasa Nаgapаlitasa saparиvаrasa leнaм deyadhama.
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L.1. ASWI read leнa.