Jain Stupa and Other Antiquities of Mathura

Author(s): Vincent A Smith
Publisher: Vincent A Smith

Page 62

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PLATE XII.
AYAGAPATA OR TABLET OF HOMAGE SET UP BY SIVAYASI.
The upper part of the slab depicted in this plate has been lost. The lower and more important portion is well preserved, and the inscription is nearly complete.
The composition gives an interesting view of a Jain Stap, which was surrounded by a perambulation path guarded by a railing. The path is appronched through a highly-decorated Torana gateway, to which four steps ascend. A heavy wreath hangs from the lowest beam of the gateway. A dancing-girl, completely nude except for a sash round the hips and the usual jowellery, stands in an immodest attitude on the railing on each side of the inte. Two massive pillars with peculiar bases are shown, and a small portion of the railing surrounding in upper perambulation path is visible.
The general arrangements of the Stape are identical with those familiar to all students of Buddhist antiquities.
The railing is of a plain archaic type.
The characters of the inscription below the railiny are in form anterior to the alphabet used by the Kushần kings, and may be considerably earlier than the Christian era. The inscription is as follows:
L. 1 a. Namo arohatúnan Phag nyokaxit
2 a. natakara bhayaye Sivayas 3 a.... .... ... ..... kiye 1 b. dyagapato kårito
2 b. arahata pujaye.
"Adoration to the Arhats! By Sivayudi (Sinayasas), wife of the dancer I nyasi (ihalymas).... # tablet of homage (Ayagapata) was caused to be made for the worship of the Arhat." ("Epigraphin Indica," Volume II, page 200, No. V.)
Mr. Mukherji found an inscribed slab to the west of the bridge on the road leading to the Holi gate, containing a bas-relief representation of a Stúpa 10 inches high, which may be compared with the representation in this plate.
Port, l'Inte CIII.