271 
1872.] A. M. Broadley — The Buddhistic Bemains of Bihar. 
ardent in the knowledge of Buddha, most emulous in acquiring high merit, 
who was fearless alike amongst his own people and strangers in this ever-pro- 
gressing virtuous region , has raised this flag of renown in honour of his 
maternal and paternal races in the northern regions. 
“ Whatever fruits may proceed from this act, which may he likened to a 
flight of steps to the mansion of liberation, may the same he conducive to 
the attainment of the divine knowledge of Buddha by mankind at large, 
foremost by his parents and ancestors ! 
“ As long as the tortoise supports the ocean-girt receptacle of matter, as 
long as the darkness-dispelling sun sheds his fiery rays, as long as the mild 
luminary continues to sooth mankind and the night, so long may this bright 
act of Viradeva prosper in this world !” 
Babu iUjendralala Mitra remarks, that the date of the dedication is not 
given, but looking to the character, the well known Kutila, and the allusion of 
Deva Pala of the Pala dynasty of Bengal, the inscription probably belongs to 
the beginning of the 9th century. The dedicator was a recluse from the north- 
west frontier and bore the name of Viradeva. His native town was Nagarahara, 
once a famous seat of Buddhism, but now in ruins. His father, Indragupta, is 
described as a friend of the king (Rajasakha), that is, as I take it, a courtier ; 
but he must have held high rank in court, as his wife is styled a Rani, or 
Queen. Viradeva was of a religious turn of mind, and in early manhood 
retired from the busy world, to acquire a knowledge of the Buddhist faith in 
the Kanishka monastery, where he devoted a great portion of his life to 
study and penance, and to following the practice of his order. He started 
on Ms travels and came to theNalanda monastery in Bihar, and afterwards 
dwelt for a time in the Vasanauvana vihara, where he got himself noticed 
and respected by the king of the country, Deva Pala. 
Where the monastery was situated I cannot ascertain. It was pro- 
bably somewhere near Manikyala in the Paujfib or near his home. 
II . — The Ohosrdwan Inscription. — Transcript hg Professor Ra'mkrisiina 
Gopa'l Biiastdarka'r, of Bombay. 
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