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The Jaina Stupa at Mathura: Art & Icons
could not manage to provide any decision except the seven eras used between 1st century B. C. to 1st A.D.
The author of 'The Scythian Period', J. E. Van Lohuizen De Leeuw clarifies that the inscription under discussion (year 299 of unknown era), on palaeographical and other indications should be assigned to before Kaniska's accession to the throne. After quoting various theories of scholars she offers the solutions as follows, "On closer scrutiny of the inscription there fortunately appears a very simple solution for this seemingly unsolvable question. The date which up till now has been read by all scholars as 299 is really 199 and this solves the problems". In a foot note she took Luders' support. One standing image on alter with the same type of semi-circular rings is published by her in above mentioned book having Kuṣāṇa year 62 now in Calcutta Museum.
Sharma R. C. comments about this image, "But at a stage where the factual grounds are confusing and we are not in a position to reach any conclusion, we must not be hesitant in considering the other grounds also. These grounds must, of course, not go against the available facts." After examining the feet of chief deity and the lower part of the attendants he concluded that as the sculpture was carved beautifully with demarcated nails in fingers that it was designed in transitional period between Kuṣāṇa and Gupta age. Smith V. suggests this era as Vikram era. He discussed, "If we assume for a moment that the year 299 refers to the Vikram era then the date of the image comes to 299-57-242 A.D." According to Dr. Sharma, in Kuşäņa period, the proper name of the ruling king. is always mentioned in inscription which is absent here so the image could be assigned after Kuṣāņa era. But this need further support of more solid evidences as told by him. Thus he thought of possibilities of a different era being used in the inscription.
My observation regarding this image (J 2 LM.) is as follows:
The inscription of the image is in controversy as it has the established year but without mentioning the name of the reigning king. This is not the matter of misinterpretation or eroded writings as nowhere empty space is noticed. The inscription commence with the adoration to all
1st & 2nd era- the old and the new Parthians eras, 3rd Vikram era, 4th the Azes era, 5th an era beginning about 50 A.D., 6th the Śaka era and 7th Kaniska era.
Dr. J.E.V..L. Leeuw, The Schithian Period, (1947), pp. 58 and fn 214.
Dr. J.E.V..L. Leeuw, op. cit. (1947), pl. XXIX. fig.-52, Smith V., op. cit. (1900), pp. 38.
