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 Nàgapàlita, a jeweller from Sopara along with his family. The Inscription measures 1.79 m x 8 cm. Letters 7 cm X 5 cm. Characters: Bràhmè 200 A.D. Language: Prakrit. Orthography: the medial 'i' in the word parivàra is written in omamental style. Burgess has pointed out that the alpha-bets are about the time of Puëumàvi. (ShG) |
| 1847 Bird, Hist. Res. p. 58, No. 16, and Plate XLII, 12; 1861 West, JBBRAS VI, p. 7, No. 23, and Plate; 1883 Buôhler, ASWI V, p. 82, No. 20; Luders list 1005; ShG No 46; |
| Lu: - A cave (låía), the gift of the jeweller (manikara) Nàgapàlita, the [Sop]àrayaka (inhabitant of Ùórpàraka), with his family. |
TEXT.
1. [Siddhaì Sop]àrayakasa maíikàrasa Nàgapàlitasa saparèvàrasa leíaì deyadhama.
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L.1. ASWI read leía.