Heliodorus pillar
The column of Heliodorus at Vidisha / Sanchi in the heart of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh was built around 100 BC. Donated by Heliodorus . This probably came from Taxila and was envoy of the Indo-Greek king Antialkidas at the court of the Shunga ruler Bhagabhadra .
discovery
The column was discovered in 1877 by Alexander Cunningham , founder of the Archaeological Survey of India . Since it was covered by a red layer of dirt, the researcher dated it to the Gupta period (4th / 5th century AD). Only when John Hubert Marshall removed the layer of dirt at the beginning of the 20th century did the two inscriptions become visible, the translation of which was perceived as a sensation among experts. In 1955, the Indian archaeologist M. D. Khare exposed the foundation walls of a former temple complex in the immediate vicinity of the column.
description
The approximately 4.80 meter high monolithic column shaft is divided into three sections that taper towards the top; the transitions are visually separated by fan rosettes and small lotus flowers as well as by garlands . An approximately 1.20 meter high capital rises above a final shaft ring , which ends with a stylized hanging lotus blossom.
The two inscriptions are on three fields of the lower - octagonal - part of the shaft; above it, eight fan rosettes lead over to the fluted middle section of the column. The capital once carried - as the first inscription suggests - a statue of Garuda . The column may have stood in front of a - no longer preserved - wooden (?) Temple of Vasudeva (meaning is most likely Krishna ), to whom the monument is dedicated.
Inscriptions
Foundation inscription
- Original text (7 lines in Brahmi )
- 1) Devadevasa Va [sude] vasa Garudadhvajo ayam
- 2) karito i [a] Heliodorena bhaga-
- 3) vatena Diyasa putrena Takhasilakena
- 4) Yonadatena agatena maharajasa
- 5) Amtalikitasa upa [m] ta samkasam-rano
- 6) Kasiput [r] asa [Bh] agabhadrasa tratarasa
- 7) vasena [chatu] dasena rajena vadhamanasa
- Free translation
-
“This Garuda column in honor of Vasudeva , the god of gods, was erected by Heliodorus, who followed the Bhagavata path of devotion, the son of Dion and the inhabitant of Taxilas; he came as the envoy of the Greek King Antialkidas to King Kasiputra Bhagabhadra, the Savior, in the 14th year of his prosperous kingship. "
Antialkidas coin - the headband ( royal armband ) and riding an elephant are signs of his royal dignity.
- Remarks
- Vasudeva was a common popular name for the Hindu god Krishna. The inscription can thus be interpreted as a conversion document of a Greek to Krishna or to early Vishnuism ; he was probably philosophically educated and had already come into contact with Hinduism in Taxila (his hometown?). This makes the pillar the oldest known document that documents the conversion of Westerners to Indian religions. It must be assumed, however, that such conversions of faith took place earlier, probably even Antialkidas was a follower of the Hindu faith.
Faith inscription
- Original text (2 lines)
- 1) Trini amutapadani- [su] anuthitani
- 2) nayamti svaga damo chago apramado
- Free translation
- "Three immortal (eternal) commandments (steps) ... when practiced, lead to heaven: self-control, benevolence and awareness."
See also
Surroundings
In the vicinity are the Hindu cave temples of Udayagiri and the Buddhist cult site of Sanchi .
literature
- AK Narain: The Indo-Greeks . Oxford 1957, pp. 118–119, plate VI (with translation of the inscription).
Web links
Coordinates: 23 ° 32 ′ 59 " N , 77 ° 48 ′ 0" E