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250 1
numerous scholars who, on the basis of vast literary evidence proved that the Brahmi script existed even earlier than Chandragupta Maurya. Another important point connected with the date of this inscription is the use of the words "chaturasiti-va (se)". The suggestion of some scholars that this word is indicative of some geographical area is untenable.13 This date is recorded both in numericals and syllables. Such system was obviously apparent for recording the dates only. G.H. Ojha has suggested that this date pertains to the Mahavir Nirvana era, which remained quite popular for ecclesiastical reckoning among the Jains.14 D. C. Sircar and others have objected that this era is not yet known from any early records. But I think, no much credence ought to be given on negative evidence. From southern Rajasthan use of some unknown eras is noticed as under:15
(i) From Devani-Mori situated near the southern borders of Rajasthan an inscription datable to 3rd century A.D. mentioning some Kathika era was noticed. This is the solitary evidence about the use of this era. Before its finding no one had the knowledge of this era.
(ii) From Kalyanpur (near Rikhabdevji, Udaipur)
several
records datable to 8th century A.D. in some unknown era are noticed. So far no definite clue about the beginning of this era is known.
Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility of the use of Mahavir Nirvana era in this inscription, simply on the plea that its use was unknown in earlier records. Apparently the Jains have repeatedly used this era in literary sources from
13. It is clear that the word "chaurasi" is still popular for a group of the villages in the area round about Badali. But the use of numericals and syllables together for rccording the dates proves that it was used for mentioning the years, Such system was quite popular in ancient India. 14. G.H. Ojha, pp.2-3 fn,
15. Journal of the Oriental Institute of Baroda, Vol. XII No. 2, pp 173-176/ Vol. XIV No. 3-5, p.410/Vol. XV No.1, pp,71-72/The Vishweshwaranand Indological Journal, Vol. III No. 1, pp. 101-104/Vidhya (Gujarati). Vol. XI No. 1, 103-112.
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