JOURNAL 



OS" 



THE ASIATIC SOCIETY 



No. 77.— May, 1838. 



I. — Second Report on the Examination and Restoration of the Mac* 



kenzie Manuscripts. By the Reverend William Taylor. 



A Palm-leaf MS. No. 165, Countermark 64. 



A:~TAMIL. 



I. — Chola purva Patayam, or ancient Chola record. 



This is a large Tamil manuscript containing 48 Palm-leaves in the 

 introductory portion and 219 in the remainder. It is perfect as regards 

 the numbering of the leaves, and is generally in a good state of preserva- 

 tion : a few of the leaves are a little damaged, but these, having been 

 restored, the whole will last in good preservation, for several years. 



Brief Abstract. 

 Reference to inscriptions at Conjeveram, and to Vikramaditya the 

 son of Govinda, slain by Salivahana. It states that Saliva'hana 

 was born in the country of Ayodhya, in a potter's house, under the 

 influence of Athi-seshan. He acquired great skill and prowess ; and 

 conquering Vikramaditya, subdued also the Ayodhya* country. An 

 era was formed termed the era of Salivahana. In his time there 

 was great disorder, Hindu fanes, rites, and institutions, all were neg- 

 lected. Salivahana was a Samana (or Jaina) a worshipper of Sar- 

 vesvarer of a venomous spirit, and in these he gloried. He destroyed 

 the fanes and secred edifices of the Hindus of five classes, without favor 

 or distinction. He overthrew all privileges which Hindus derived from 

 Vikramaditya. He persecuted and oppressed all who would not 



* Whence it appears either that the author made a mistake or else that there 

 was a second Ayodhya. Vikrama'ditya ruled over Gujerat and Malwa, and 

 derived tribute extensively from other countries. Ayodhya may however, be 

 viewed as an epithet, u exempt from war.'* 



3 A 



