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viii
The Häthigumphā Inscription and the Bhabru Edict
as important for the history of Buddhism as the Khāravela's Hāthīgumphā Inscription is for that of Jainism, and it arouses many questions as to the correct interpretation of the passages of scripture referred to and the relations of church and state under Asoka's regime. Here, too, Dr. Shashi Kant has produced new theories of great importance and I recommend them to all students of Indian history and religions.
January, 1971
A.L. Basham
Ph. D., D.Litt. Professor of Oriental Civilisation The Australian National University
Canberra (Australia)
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