Mangaluru: A recent reading of an inscription discovered in Paryem village within the premises of the Bhumika temple has unveiled significant historical insights.
According to Prof T Murugeshi, Associate Professor (Retired) in Ancient History and Archaeology at MSRS College, Shirva, the inscription, composed in Sanskrit and Brahmi script, is likely the earliest one in Goa and dates back to the 4th or 5th century CE. It mentions a previously unknown dynasty that ruled Goa.
"The inscription was initially noticed about 30 years ago by the then Chief Minister of Goa, Pratapsingh Rane. Efforts by Dr PP Shirodkar to decipher the text resulted in a brief note published in Goa's Nave Parva magazine. However, due to unscientific copying, there were potential misinterpretations of the text," Murugeshi, who is based in Udupi said.
The inscription reads "Dhamlyajunoo hai ha: i.....Gamanadha (va)la mahi(ma) Dhalena ta(dha)ri panchamaha.
"The recent accurate reading has shed light on a previously unknown dynasty that ruled Goa. It mentions a Haihaya King named Dharma Yajno, who performed a sacrifice with his army. This inscription is the earliest discovered in Goa. The name Haihaya was previously unknown in Goan history, although the Bhojas were recognized as a clan among the Haihayas," he said.
"The inscription reveals the name of the first Haihaya king. The inscribed pillar could be the Yupasthambha. The Brahmi inscription is also useful in understanding the antiquity of the Bhumika temple and Hindu architectural growth in Goa," he added.
Prof. Murugeshi expressed his gratitude to Dr. Munirathnam Reddy, Director of Epigraphy at the Archaeological Survey of India, for providing a fresh reading of the inscription. He also acknowledged the contributions of his Goan exploration team, including Dr. Rajendra Kerkar, Amey Kinjawdekar, Chandrakanth Aukhle, and Vithoba Gawade.
