Revelations from the Copper Plates

• The Literary Genius of Shila Bhattarika:
  • Shilabhattarika, the daughter of the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II, was an acclaimed poetess of her time.
  • Unlike Shilabhattarika, none of her siblings showcased an inclination towards literature.
  • The recently unearthed copper plate serves as historical evidence which validates Shilabhattarika’s significant contributions to literature.
• Insights from the Copper Plate:
  • The copper plates are inscribed with over 60 Sanskrit sentences, penned in the ancient Brahmi script.
  • One of the copper plates references the donation of the village of Chigateri, located in present-day Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, to a scholar named Vishnu Sharma.
  • The donation was recommended by Mahendraverma, the son of Shilabhattarika and Dadiga, to the ruling king Vijayaditya Chalukya.
• The Value of the Copper Plate:
  • The copper plate is a significant historical artefact that offers critical information about the geography, politics, and literary landscape during the reign of the Chalukyas.
  • This discovery provides the first tangible historical evidence of Shila Bhattarika's stature as a poetess.
• Role of Copper Plates in Historical Reconstruction:
  • Copper plates, typically inscribed with details of hereditary grants given by kings, are crucial resources for archaeologists, linguists, and orientalists in their efforts to reconstruct the past.
  • These copper plates were compiled using a copper ring and sealed as a testament to the authority of the respective ruler.
• Generosity of the Vakataka Ruler:
  • Another copper plate from the same collection documents a donation made by Pravarasena II, the Vakataka ruler, indicating the geographical reach of the dynasty extended to Odisha.
  • The village of Khapri, situated in the modern-day Durg district of Chhattisgarh, was generously donated by Pravarasena II.
  • The Vakatakas, who were devout Shaivites, ruled over Central India during the 3rd to 5th Century CE.
  • Khapri potentially represents the easternmost village under the Vakataka rule, and during their peak reign, their territory extended up to eastern Chhattisgarh-Odisha.
• Publication of the Historical Discoveries:
  • All the historical insights gleaned from the copper plates will be meticulously documented in the annals of BORI for future reference and research.

Final Thoughts: The historical evidence unearthed from the copper plates will be meticulously documented in the annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, serving as a valuable resource for future research on the Chalukya and Vakataka dynasties. This discovery underscores the importance of sustained efforts in uncovering and interpreting historical artefacts to enrich our understanding of history.