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Introduction
LXXIII
travelled through this country. Hence Asoka - rāja raised monuments or built stūpas in all those places where Buddha rested. Scattered among these are spots where the three past Buddhas sat down, or walked, or preached the law. The present king is of the Kshattriya caste, as they all are. He is the nephew of Silāditya - rājā of Mālvā, and son-in-law of the son of Şilāditya the present king of Kūnyakubja. His name is Dhruvapata (T’u-lu-h'o-po-tu). He is of a lively and hasty disposition, his wisdom and statecraft are shallow. Quite recently he has attached himself sincerely to the faith in the three "precious ones." Yearly he summons a great assembly, and for seven days gives away most valuable gems, exquisite meats, and on the priests he bestows in charity the three garments and medicaments, or their equivalent in value, and precious articles made of rare and costly gems of the seven sorts. Having given this in charity he redeems them at twice their price. He esteems virtue (or the virtuous ) and honours the good; he reverences those who are noted for their wisdom. The great priests who come from distant regions he particularly honours and respects.
Not far from the city is a great sanghārama which was built by the Arhat ( 'O-che-lo ); here the Bodhisattvas Guñamati and Sthiramati (Kien - hwui) fixed their residences during their travels and composed treatises which have gained a high renown.” (Bud. Records of the Western World - Beal Bk. XI pp. 266267 - 268.)
The existence of many vihāras is, as we have, seen, attested by the several copper - plates of Valabhi.
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