(36 Mr. Ravenshaw's Behar Inscription. [No. 97- 



not hitherto met with, and I confess I cannot submit this first 

 attempt to interpret them without considerable diffidence. The 

 inscription is unfortunately destitute of both name and date ; 

 and does not, moreover, afford any clue by which the period of its 

 record can be traced. It is however a very singular relic in 

 itself, and the formation of an alphabet from the characters 

 which compose it, may have important results, in leading to 

 the easy perusal of other similar inscriptions, which I am 

 not without hope a more diligent search may bring to light. 

 The ancient history of Magadha and Mithela may come to be 

 tested by evidence the most valid in the prosecution of such 

 research, unpromising though the first fruits be, historically 

 speaking, of what has been as yet attempted. 



I may here, to save the trouble of reference, remind the 

 readers of the Journal, that Mr. Ravenshaw reports the in- 

 scription to have been found on a broken stone pillar, situated in 

 a reversed position a little to the west of the northern gate 

 of the old Fort of Behar : its original site was according to 

 tradition, in front of the gate. The following is the translation 

 of the inscription, facsimile of which is given opposite page 65. 



1. Be patient when angry. 



2. Perform religious sacrifices as prescribed. 



3. Be liberal in religious performances. 



4. Be charitable to the weak and needy. 



5. Riches should be spent in the celebration of rites in 

 honour of Siva and Parvati. 



6. The weak and destitute pilgrims should be supplied with 

 the expenses of their journey. 



7. Remove difficulties in the way of pilgrimage. 



8. Exercise no oppression in any acquired (conquered) king- 

 dom. 



9. Encourage the officers of the state.* 



10. Punish the oppressor of the (people), high or low. 



The above affords little matter for speculation, save as regards 

 * The Pundit is doubtful as to the interpretation of this phrase. 



