Chronology of Gujarat

SR No.: 006799
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M R Majumdar
Publisher: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Publication Year: 1960
Total Pages: 494
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 78

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CHRONOLOGY OF GUJARAT
his consecration, an abstention from doing harm or injury to living beings, and asks even hunters and fishermen 'to cease their sinful activities,' and expresses the wish that 'his subjects comply with the rules and be obedient to their parents and old men'.
The good sentiments and ethical principles found enunciated in this Afghanistan record are in a way an echo of similar ideas found expressed in the Edicts discovered in India proper.-( Radhagovind Basak, Asokan Inscriptions, Introduction pp. xiv, xv, 1959)
The material achievements of the Mauryan rule, and particularly of the reign of Asoka include the irrigation projects like the well-known Sudarśana lake which were carried out with great care. It was the construction of a reservoir by artificially damming up some of the streams flowing from Mt. Girnar, and equipping the lake with well-provided conduits, drains, and means to guard against foul matters'.
As regards cultural unity of India, the findspots of Asoka's records prove that one language and one script were used, or at least understood, by common people all over India in the third century B.C. Since then, the Sanskrit language and literature have throughout been a common bond of culture in addition to religious and social ideas and institutions. -(The Vedic Age, p. 105-6 fn.)
II
B.C.
Surāştra was under the sway of Candragupta Maurya (c. 322-298 B.C.) and C. 322-298 was governed by his rāştriya Vaiśya Puşyagupta. He constructed a dam ( setu )
across Suvarṇasikatā, Palāśini and other rivers of mount Urjayat, and built a beautiful reservoir named 'Sudarśana Tațāka' in the vicinity of Girinagara. It was defended by embankments (pālikās) and provided with well-arranged conduits (praņālis), drains (parivāhas ) etc. The waters of Suvarṇasikatā ( Sonarekhā), Palāśini (Palāñsio ) and other rivers were stored up in the reservoir. (EI, VIII, 44 ff.)
This information is recorded in the Junagadh rock-inscription of Mahāksatrapa Rudradāman, which deals with the accidental destruction and the reconstruction of the dam during the reign of that Mahākṣatrapa. (EI, VIII, pp. 36 ff.)
Girinagara, which seems to be the head-quarter of Surāşțra, probably stood at the foot of mount Urjayat represented by modern Girnar. The river Suvarṇasikatā is identified with modern Sonarekhā which flows by the rock, bearing the two inscriptions.
The proper regulation of irrigation was a matter of prime importance even during the Maurya period-(Vide, Vincent Smith, E H I. p. 132). The needs of the local farmers did not escape the notice of the Mauryan Government, though Surāşțra was a very remote province of the empire.