Barhut Inscriptions

"Barhut Inscriptions" is a foundational scholarly work that provides a comprehensive documentation and analysis of the epigraphic records found at the site of the ancient Bharhut Stupa. Dating primarily to the 2nd century BCE, these inscriptions represent some of the most significant early evidence of Buddhist devotion, offering a rare glimpse into the linguistic and religious landscape of ancient India.

The work meticulously catalogs the votive labels and descriptive titles carved into the stone railings and gateways of the monument. These texts are essential for understanding the development of the Brahmi script and the transition of Buddhist narratives from oral traditions to written and visual forms. Through the efforts of Barua and Sinha, the inscriptions are translated and contextualized, identifying the various donors-ranging from royal figures to humble monks and nuns-who contributed to the stupa's construction.

Beyond its linguistic value, "Barhut Inscriptions" serves as an indispensable guide to the iconography of the stupa, linking specific carvings to Jataka tales and scenes from the life of the Buddha. This study is an essential resource for historians, archaeologists, and students of religious studies interested in the evolution of early Indian art and the socio-cultural history of the Sunga period.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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