484 Translation of a copper grant. [Sept. 



the Bhatti, &c. once warriors, now scribes and merchants ; the 

 brahmans then, to raise themselves, and degrade the other castes, 

 invented the fable of the destruction of the whole Kshetriya tribe by 

 Parasurama — a thing in itself incredible ; but which story enabled 

 them to substitute the Puranas, for the Vedas, in conducting the sacred 

 offices, as connected with those classes. 



Further, if we inquire into the origin of many of the present most 

 popular incarnations, as worshipped in western India, we shall no 

 doubt trace them to the sera when the Puranas were interpolated and 

 converted from mere historical legends into books of scripture. A new 

 impetus was thus given to superstition, by the discovery of these 

 supposed miraculous emanations of Siva, Vishnu, and Ganesa, in the 

 shape of Khundeh Rao*, Wittoba, and the Chinchwara Ganapati. 



That great changes were introduced about the period of the Musal- 

 man invasion, into the practices of the Hindu religion, and that many 

 as they now exist, are far different to what they were previous to that 

 sera, are facts which will become better known and ascertained, as the 

 antient history of the country becomes more cleared from the obscu- 

 rity in which it is at present involved. 



Translate of an ancient Inscription, dated 9th of the Valabhi Samvat, 

 or A. D. 328, and found in digging the foundations of a house, near 

 Danduca, in the Peninsula of Gvjerdt, or Saurdshtra. 



May prosperity (ever emanate) from the city of Valabhi ! The 

 possessor of incomparable strength from the crowds of powerful 

 enemies and friends, who prostrate themselves (before him), who 

 earned glory in hundreds of battles fought in the countries of his 

 foes ; whose prowess and renown dazzled (the eyes of the princes 

 of the universe), one enjoying the affections (of his subjects) by 

 grants of rewards and honors, and also by courteous behaviour. 

 The acquirer of royal prosperity by the strength (aid) of his nume- 

 rous dependents and attached friends, great adorer of Mahesvara 

 (Siva), (such was) Senapati Bhatarca (Bhatarca, the general-in- 

 chief ) . 



His son, with head tinged of a reddish colour, by constant inclina- 

 tion to the dust of his father's feet, and thus rendered pure : the lus- 

 tre of the nails of whose feet (as mirrors) surpassed the diamonds of 

 Sucra's diadem, whose riches were a constant source of relief to the 

 poor, helpless, and destitute, (was the) great worshipper of Mahes- 

 vara, Sri Senapati Dhara Sena (the general of the forces, Dhara 

 Sena). 



His younger brother with forehead wholly sanctified by prostrations 

 at his (brother's) feet, a performer of all the acts of devotion accord- 



* These are all peculiar to the Mahratta country, their temples being at Jejury, 

 Pundarpur, and Chinchivar. 



