Recently, fascinating historical evidence has emerged from studies conducted on inscriptions found on clay tablets in Moghalmari, West Bengal. With origins in the early medieval period, these findings have shed light upon two previously unknown monasteries at this site. This article explores the significance of these findings and delves into their implications on our understanding of the period.
Unearthing Moghalmari’s Buddhist Past
Moghalmari has recently come to prominence in archaeological circles due to these fascinating discoveries. The excavated site, situated in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, was referenced by the 7th Century Chinese traveller Xuanzang (also known as Huen Tsang). During his travels to India, he spoke of ‘ten monasteries’ in the region of Tamralipta (modern-day Tamluk in adjoining Purba Medinipur district), but did not provide any specific names or locations.
The Key Findings
From the excavation, it was discovered that there were two monasteries – Mugalayikaviharika and Yajñapindikamahavihara. A total of six small fragments of seals were found, each containing a set of letters accompanied by deer-dharmachakra symbols, indicative of the Buddhist faith. The inscriptions are in Sanskrit, and the script suggests a transitional phase between later north Indian Brahmi and early Siddhamatrika.
The first monastery, Yajñapindikamahavihara, translates to ‘a place of sacrificial offering’, while the second, Mugalayikaviharika, phonetically resembles the site’s modern name, Moghalmari. Both establishments hail from the 6th Century and remained operational till the 12th Century. Notably, the presence of two such buildings from the same era within a single compound is considered extraordinary for eastern India.
Historical Context: Brahmi and Siddhamatrika
The inscriptions on the seals provide valuable insights into the history of Indian scripts. The oldest deciphered examples date to the late 4th century BCE and are in Brahmi and Kharoshthi. Among these are inscriptions made by Maurya Emperor Ashoka, mostly in the Prakrit language and Brahmi script.
Different stages of the Brahmi script are distinguished based on dynastic periods, such as Ashokan Brahmi, Kushana Brahmi, and Gupta Brahmi. It wasn’t until the late 6th Century that Gupta Brahmi evolved into Siddhamatrika or Kutlia, which gradually gave rise to modern north Indian scripts like Devanagari.
Table of Key Findings from Moghalmari
| Key Finding | Description |
|---|---|
| Monasteries | Mugalayikaviharika and Yajñapindikamahavihara |
| Seal Fragments | Six, each with letters and deer-dharmachakra symbols |
| Script | Sanskrit, transitioning between Brahmi & Siddhamatrika |
| Operational Timeline | From the 6th Century CE to the 12th Century CE |
The Importance of Inscriptions
Inscriptions, especially those found in historical sites such as Moghalmari, play an important role in understanding the societal hierarchy of the time. From this particular site, it can be inferred that there was a definite hierarchy within Buddhist monasteries — Mahavihara, Vihara and Viharika. Thus, every finding contributes uniquely to piecing together the complex puzzle of our shared past.
