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Hisse-Borala Inscription: Vakataka Dynasty’s Ancient Record in Washim

Hisse-Borala Inscription: Vakataka Dynasty’s Ancient Record in Washim
Hisse-Borala Inscription: Vakataka Dynasty’s Ancient Record in Washim

In 1963 or 1964, archaeologist Shobhana Gokhale uncovered a significant artifact near Hisse-Borala village, located about 10 kilometres south of the ancient Vakataka capital, Vatsagulma, now known as Washim in Vidarbha, India.


The find, a stone inscription, lay in the riverbed of the Vatsagulma river, close to an ancient brick structure referred to by locals as a "palu" or lake bank.

Hisse-Borala, a village with a population of 1,342 as recorded in the 2011 Census, has a literacy rate of 59.09%. The inscription, now preserved in the Central Museum in Nagpur, provides a direct link to the Vakataka dynasty, which ruled parts of central India between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE.


This discovery marked a pivotal moment for historians studying the period, as the inscription contains a precise date that anchors the Vakataka timeline.



The stone was found near a structure believed to be part of a dam or water management system, hinting at the inscription’s connection to public works.


The site’s proximity to Vatsagulma, the political centre of the Vakatakas’ southern branch, underscores its historical importance.

The inscription’s relocation to Nagpur’s Central Museum ensures its preservation and accessibility for researchers and visitors. Its discovery added a critical piece to the puzzle of Vakataka history, offering details about governance, infrastructure, and chronology that were previously scarce.


Content and Context of the Inscription


The Hisse-Borala inscription, written in Sanskrit and composed in the Upajāti poetic metre, spans four lines with an additional fifth line in a bordered panel.


Dated to the Śaka year 380, corresponding to 457/58 CE, it records the construction of a water storage tank named Sudarśana by Svāmilladeva, an officer serving under King Devasena of the Vakataka dynasty.

The text begins with the traditional invocation "Siddhaṃ," followed by a reference to the Śaka year and Devasena, who held the title of dharmamahārāja. The first line includes unclear phrases, such as "tasya vrittasya" and "Sapta-(Rṣay-uttara-suvachha)," possibly due to damage or obscure terminology, with some letters lost from the broken stone.


The second line specifies that Svāmilladeva, described as an Āryyeṇa (noble or officer), built the Sudarśana tank during Devasena’s reign.


The third line expresses a hope that the tank benefits all beings for as long as the sun, moon, and earth exist, invoking divine grace and public merit. The fourth line concludes that the tank is for the enjoyment and benefit of all.



The fifth line, engraved in a bordered panel, names Bappaka as the karmma-opadeṣṭa, likely a supervisor or overseer of the project. Scholars note variations in the text, such as reading "prasādat" instead of "prasādaṃ" in the third line, and the symbol for "20" in the first line possibly being read as "dhi."


The fifth line’s distinct placement suggests it was added separately, perhaps to acknowledge Bappaka’s role.


The inscription’s historical context ties it to Devasena, a Vakataka king who expanded his kingdom, possibly into northern Karnataka, as evidenced by copper plates found in the Bidar district.

Devasena also strengthened ties with the Vishnukundin dynasty through a marriage alliance. The use of the Śaka era calendar, uncommon in Vidarbha but prevalent in western India, suggests cultural or administrative influences, possibly from Gujarat, where the calendar was widely used.


The inscription’s precise dating makes it the earliest known reference to the Śaka era in Vidarbha and the only record providing a firm chronological basis for the Vakataka dynasty.


Historical and Cultural Significance

Historical and Cultural Significance
Historical and Cultural Significance

The Hisse-Borala inscription stands out for its contributions to understanding the Vakataka dynasty. Its clear reference to the Śaka year 380 (457/58 CE) serves as a chronological anchor, helping historians establish a timeline for the dynasty’s rulers and events.


This precision is rare in ancient Indian records, making the inscription a cornerstone for Vakataka studies. The mention of Svāmilladeva, who also appears in Devasena’s Bidar plates and Harishena’s Thalner plates as a dūtaka (liaison officer), highlights his prominence in the Vakataka administration.


His role in constructing the Sudarśana tank reflects the dynasty’s focus on public infrastructure, particularly water management, which was vital for agriculture and community welfare in ancient India.

The choice of the name Sudarśana for the tank may draw inspiration from the famous Sudarshana lake in Junagadh, Gujarat. Historian Ajay Mitra Shastri suggests that Svāmilladeva might have originated from Gujarat, which could explain the use of the Śaka calendar in the inscription.



This connection points to cultural exchanges between regions, enriching the historical narrative of the Vakatakas. The inscription’s emphasis on the tank’s benefit for all beings underscores the Vakataka rulers’ commitment to public welfare, a common theme in ancient Indian governance.


The brick structure near the inscription’s discovery site, possibly part of a dam, further supports the idea that the Sudarśana tank was part of a larger water management system, critical for sustaining agricultural communities.

The inscription has been documented in several academic publications, including Indian Archaeology: A Review (1963/64, pages 22 and 72), Epigraphia Indica (Volume XXXVII, 1967, pages 1-5), and the Proceedings of the Indian History Congress (31st session, 1969/70, pages 47-55).


These sources, along with works by scholars like Ajay Mitra Shastri and Shirmali, provide detailed analyses of the inscription’s text and context.


The artifact’s preservation in the Central Museum in Nagpur ensures its availability for ongoing research, allowing scholars to study its linguistic, historical, and cultural nuances.


The Hisse-Borala inscription, though a modest stone slab, carries the weight of centuries, offering a direct connection to the Vakataka dynasty’s governance and priorities.

Its discovery in Washim district has opened a window into a world where local officers like Svāmilladeva played a key role in shaping community life through projects like the Sudarśana tank.


The inscription’s journey from the Vatsagulma riverbed to the Central Museum in Nagpur reflects a commitment to preserving India’s historical heritage. For researchers, students, and history enthusiasts, this artifact remains a vital resource, grounding the study of ancient India in tangible evidence.


Its story continues to inspire exploration into the lives and achievements of those who shaped the subcontinent’s past.



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