The Nasik Inscription is a rock-cut inscription located in the city of Nasik, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the most important inscriptions of the Satavahana dynasty, and it provides valuable information about the history and culture of the period.
The inscription was carved on a rock face near the Godavari River in the 2nd century CE. It is written in the Prakrit language and the Brahmi script. The inscription records the gift of a cave to the Buddhist sangha by a wealthy merchant named Gautamiputra Satakarni.
The inscription is important for several reasons. First, it provides evidence of the early spread of Buddhism in India. Second, it sheds light on the social and economic conditions of the Satavahana period. Third, it is a valuable source of information about the Buddhist sangha.
The inscription is divided into three parts. The first part is a eulogy to Gautamiputra Satakarni. The second part records the gift of the cave. The third part is a list of the names of the people who contributed to the construction of the cave.
The eulogy to Gautamiputra Satakarni is a long and elaborate piece of writing. It praises Satakarni for his military prowess, his generosity, and his piety. The inscription states that Satakarni was a great king who conquered many lands and brought peace and prosperity to his kingdom.
The second part of the inscription records the gift of the cave. The inscription states that Gautamiputra Satakarni donated the cave to the Buddhist sangha so that it could be used as a place of worship. The inscription also states that the cave was built at the request of the Buddhist monk Nagasena.
The third part of the inscription is a list of the names of the people who contributed to the construction of the cave. The inscription states that the cave was built by the efforts of many people, including Gautamiputra Satakarni, his wife Naganika, and his son Vasishthiputra Pulumavi.
The Nasik Inscription is an important historical document that provides valuable information about the Satavahana dynasty and the early spread of Buddhism in India. The inscription is a valuable source of information about the social, economic, and religious conditions of the period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nasik Inscription?
The Nasik Inscription is a rock-cut inscription located in the city of Nasik, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the most important inscriptions of the Satavahana dynasty, and it provides valuable information about the history and culture of the period.
When was the Nasik Inscription written?
The Nasik Inscription was written in the 2nd century CE.
What language is the Nasik Inscription written in?
The Nasik Inscription is written in the Prakrit language.
What script is the Nasik Inscription written in?
The Nasik Inscription is written in the Brahmi script.
What does the Nasik Inscription record?
The Nasik Inscription records the gift of a cave to the Buddhist sangha by a wealthy merchant named Gautamiputra Satakarni.
Why is the Nasik Inscription important?
The Nasik Inscription is important for several reasons. First, it provides evidence of the early spread of Buddhism in India. Second, it sheds light on the social and economic conditions of the Satavahana period. Third, it is a valuable source of information about the Buddhist sangha.
MCQs
The Nasik Inscription is located in:
(A) Nasik, Maharashtra, India
(B) Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India
(C) Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India
(D) Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India
The Nasik Inscription was written in the:
(A) Prakrit language
(B) Sanskrit language
(C) Tamil language
(D) Telugu language
The Nasik Inscription was written in the:
(A) Brahmi script
(B) Kharosthi script
(C) Gupta script
(D) Devanagari script
The Nasik Inscription records the gift of a cave to the:
(A) Hindu temple
(B) Buddhist sangha
(C) Jain temple
(D) Christian church
The Nasik Inscription is important because it:
(A) Provides evidence of the early spread of Buddhism in India
(B) Sheds light on the social and economic conditions of the Satavahana period
(C) Is a valuable source of information about the Buddhist sangha
(D) All of the above