the Bhatti, &c. once warriors, now scribes and merchants; the brahmans then, to raise themselves, and degrade the other castes, invented the fable of the destruction of the whole Kshetriya tribe by PARASURÁMA—a -a thing in itself incredible; but which story enabled them to substitute the Puránas, for the Vedas, in conducting the sacred offices, as connected with those classes.

Further, if we inquire into the origin of many of the present most popular incarnations, as worshipped in western India, we shall no doubt trace them to the æra when the Puránas were interpolated and converted from mere historical legends into books cf scripture. A new impetus was thus given to superstition, by the discovery of these. supposed miraculous emanations of SIVA, VISHNU, and GANESA, in the shape of Khundeh Rao*, Wittoba, and the Chinchwara Ganapati.

That great changes were introduced about the period of the Musalman invasion, into the practices of the Hindu religion, and that many as they now exist, are far different to what they were previous to that æra, are facts which will become better known and ascertained, as the antient history of the country becomes more cleared from the obscurity in which it is at present involved.

Translate of an ancient Inscription, dated 9th of the Valabhi Samvat, or A. D. 328, and found in digging the foundations of a house, near Danduca, in the Peninsula of Gujerát, or Sauráshtra.

May prosperity (ever emanate) from the city of Valabhi! The possessor of incomparable strength from the crowds of powerful enemies and friends, who prostrate themselves (before him), who earned glory in hundreds of battles fought in the countries of his foes; whose prowess and renown dazzled (the eyes of the princes of the universe), one enjoying the affections (of his subjects) by grants of rewards and honors, and also by courteous behaviour. The acquirer of royal prosperity by the strength (aid) of his numerous dependents and attached friends, great adorer of Mahesvara (SIVA), (such was) Senapati BHATARCA (BHATARCA, the general-inchief).

His son, with head tinged of a reddish colour, by constant inclination to the dust of his father's feet, and thus rendered pure the lustre of the nails of whose feet (as mirrors) surpassed the diamonds of SUCRA's diadem, whose riches were a constant source of relief to the poor, helpless, and destitute, (was the) great worshipper of Mahèsvara, Srí Senápati DHÁRA SENA (the general of the forces, Dhára SENA).

His younger brother with forehead wholly sanctified by prostrations at his (brother's) feet, a performer of all the acts of devotion accord

*These are all peculiar to the Mahratta country, their temples being at Jejury, Pundarpur, and Chinchwar.

ing to the precepts of MENU, and other holy saints, who, like DHARMA Rája (YUDHISTHIRA), has arranged all laws, received his inauguration to the throne, from the Great Sovereign* himself, the sole monarch of the entire world," and whose accession to royalty was solemnized by unbounded gifts. He was the great worshipper of Mahesvara, Sri Mahárája DRONA SINHA (the fortunate king, DRona Sinha.)

His younger brother, who by the prowess and force of his sole arm, as a lion, conquered the hosts of his enemies, mounted on elephants, the asylum of all those who sought a place of refuge, conversant with all the various principles of science, -a celestial, allyielding tree to friends and dependants, affording to all enjoyments according to their several wishes and tastes; great follower of BHAGAVATA (VISHNU) (was) Srí Mahárája DHARUVA SENA.

His younger brother, all whose sins were removed by prostrations before the lotus-resembling feet of his (elder) brother, by whose virtuous conduct, as a pure stream, the crimes of the Kali-yuga were washed away; whose fame was celebrated by crowds of vanquished enemies, was the great adorer of the sun, Srí Mahárája Dharapattah.

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Whose son acquired the chief of virtues by adoration of his father's feet; whose sword from his infancy was his sole helper; who distinguished himself as the touch-stone of bravery; the destroyer of multitudes of foes resembling intoxicated elephants. The bright lustre of the nails of whose feet were reflected by the splendour of the crowds of his prostrate enemies; who fulfilled the import of the title Rája," by delighting the hearts of his subjects, and affording them protection, (and by governing,) as commended in the Smritis (holy books); who surpassed SVARA (Cupid) in beauty, the moon in splendour, the monarch of mountains (Himalaya), in fixedness of purpose. In depth (of thought and counsel) the ocean, the teacher of the gods in wisdom, the great master of riches (CUVERA) in wealth; who relinquished. as straw, the fruits of his enterprises, in his anxiety to remove the fears of those who sought protection; delighter of the hearts of the learned of friends and dependants, by bestowing riches far beyond their desires; who enjoyed all the gratifications and luxuries of the various countries in the world, as one who had himself travelled through them, (was) the great worshipper of Mahesvara, Srí Mahárája GRIHA SENA.

His son, for ever fortunate by the rays proceeding from the diamond-like nails of his father's feet;-all whose sins are washed away by the pure water of the Ganga (Ganges); whose wealth and prosperity are participated in by multitudes of friends and dependants-in whom all the qualities of beauty, have taken up their abode, as if by the desire of associating with the beauties of his form; who has astonished all those skilled in archery, by his wonderful natural skill, improved as it is by superior and constant exercises; the maintainer of all pious grants, bestowed by the will of ancient kings: he that removes from power, those (evil ministers) who seek the ruin of his subjects :-a unique example of the abode of wisdom and

*This evidently refers to some one of the successors of VICRAMA'DITYA and SHA'LIVA'HANA. The Pramara or Powar kings of Ujain or Canouj.

prosperity, in one and the same person, whose renown is alone sufficient to destroy the power of his foes, whose royal dignity is heriditary-great worshipper of Mahesvara, powerful wielder of the battle-axe, Srí Mahárája SRIDHARA SENA,-peremptorily issues these his mandates!

To those in office, and those unemployed; to the governors of towns; to the chiefs of districts, revenue officers, forest chiefs, protectors of the roads, &c. &c. and all officers howsoever employed!

'BE it known to you! that for the increase of my father's and mother's holiness, for my own salvation, and for the sake of obtaining other objects of my heart's desire, in this and in the next world, I have granted fifty paces of land, (situated) at the southern boundary of the village of Matsira, and sixty paces of land near the northern limit of Veraputri, to a Lodrita brahman, learned in the Rig-Vèda of the same gotra (family), as KAINA and others: also a piece of land of fifty paces, on the western side of Prathapura, and eight paces near Ishvara Deva Senak is likewise granted to a Rig-Vèda brahman, named DEVA SILA of the same gotra, as TRIVALAM BAYANA, &c. (this part is very unintelligible in the original,) this land, with the hamlets and other things thereunto pertaining, with its earth, water, wind, sky, spirits, grain, and gold, is (hereby) given, with all that which may thereupon be produced.

All the ministers of state must avoid placing their hands on this, as they would on the hole of a serpent; for the constant and due performance of the five great sacrifices (naming them), I have given this; for as long as the moon, sun, seas, rivers, and this world shall exist, to be enjoyed by the descendants, sons, grandsons, &c. By pouring out water, (it is) given up as a brahmanical gift; to be enjoyed on the terms usual with such grants; they may plough, cause to be ploughed, or give it away. No one should cause any hindrance (to this grant).

Future pious kings, both of our family, and others, who will appreciate the fruits of a grant of land, should approve and maintain this my gift. (Here the usual quotations from the Mahá Bhárata are introduced, quoting the gift by king SAGARA, and shewing the sin of destroying such a grant of land).

Written by the minister for peace and war, SCANNA BHATTA, Samvat 9, Vaisháca vadi 8. I, Mahárája Sridhara Sena, the heroic, my pleasure! my hand!'

List of kings of the Valabhi or Balhára dynasty, as found in the two inscriptions.

A. D. 144 or 190 1. Senapati Bнhatarca.

1 खस्तिवलभीतः प्रसभप्रणतामिर 2 ब्धप्रतापः प्रतापः प्रतापेोपन 3 श्रीः परममाहेश्वरः श्रीसेनापि 4 शक्रचूडामणिप्रभाविच्छुरितप 5 श्रीसेनापतिधरसेनस्तस्यानुज्जर 6 धर्मराज इव विहितविनयक 7 मुपचितराज्याभिषेको महाविन 8 तस्यानुजः खभुजबलपराक्रमे 9 शास्त्रार्थतत्वानां कल्पतरुरिव 10 ध्रुवसेनस्तस्यानुजस्तच्चरणारविं 11 कलिकलंकः प्रसभनिर्जितारा 12 पुण्योदयः शैशवात्प्रभृतिखग 13 चूडारत्नप्रभासंसक्तसव्यपदनख 14 र्थराजशब्द रूपकान्तिस्थय्यंगा 15 शरणागताभयप्रदानपरतयाट 16 विद्वत्सुहृत्प्रणयिहृदयः पादच 17 गुहसेनस्तस्यसुतस्तत्पादनखमयु 18 प्रणयिशतमहखेापजोव्यभागसँ 19 सहजशक्तिशिक्षाविशेषविस्माि 20 यानामपाकर्त्ती प्रजेोपघातका 21 पक्षलक्ष्मीपरिक्षोभदक्षविक्रमः 22 सर्व्वेीनेवायुक्तकविनियुक्त कद्रां 23 न्समाज्ञापयत्यस्तु वः संविदितं 24 सि दक्षिणसोम्नि पादावती पंच 25 पुबईवर देवसेनके अपरसोि 26 सेाद्रङ्गसे।परिकरसवातभूतधार 27 पणीयं भूमिच्छिद्रन्यायेनैषामेव 28 पेणार्थमाचन्द्रार्काकीर्णवमरिचि 29 यतो सोचितया ब्रह्मदेवस्थित्य 30 गामिभद्रन्टपत्तिभिश्चास्मद्वंशजैर 31 अयमस्मद्दायानुमंतव्यः परिपा 32 चभिर्महापातकैः सेोपपातकैः 33 खाणि स्वर्गै तिष्ठति भूमिदः । 34 द्रच युधिष्ठिर । महीं महीम 35 यस्ययस्ययदाभूमिस्त स्वतस्य तव 36 स्वहस्तामम महाराजश्रीधर मेव