This set of 5 plates were found in the village of Penugoṇḍa in West Godavari district. It is secured with a ring and seal, and the seal is possibly decorated with a seated bull.
The charter records the donation of the village of Mulukuli in Kānira district to 60 Brāhmaṇas who belong to various gōtras and charaṇas. The donation was made by Hastivarman who is described as 100 years old and was given to increase the merit, health and wealth of the king. The charter was issued from Jayapura on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Jyeshṭha. The year of the donation is not known.
(1-6) From the victorious Jayapura, by the order of the glorious great king Hastivarman, whose head is covered by the pollen of the lotus-feet of the Lord Nārāyaṇa and who is to live for a hundred years, in the district of Kānīra, the village headed by the headman of Mulukuli is to be addressed (thus):
(4-5+6-11) ‘In order to increase (our) own merit (dharma), longevity and strength, and in order to lead (our ascendants and descendants) to heaven and for the sake of expanding our religious merit, on the occasion of the dakṣiṇā (i.e. sacrificial fee) of a first kalyāṇa (ritual), this village is given by us to sixty Brahmins― who belong to various gotras and caraṇas and delight in penance (tapas), recitation of sacred texts (svādhyāya), oblations (homa), vows (vrata) and observances (niyama); who are experts in Veda, Vedāṅga, Itihāsa, Purāṇa, etymology (niroga, i.e. nirukta), metrics (chandovicita) and explanation of texts (pravacana); and who are devoted to the six duties (of the Brahmins, that are) conducting sacrifices (yajana), sponsoring sacrifices (yājana), study (adhyayana), teaching (adhyāpana), gift (dāna) and acceptance of gift (pratigraha).
(11-13) Knowing this, exempt (it) with complete exemptions from taxes! Let them enjoy (it) as long as moon and stars (endure)!’
(13-14) In the … year, on the eighth (day) of the dark (fortnight) of the month of Jyeṣṭha. This is an order from the (king’s) own mouth. Given under the lunar mansion Bhadrapada.
I.
By numerous [kings], land has been given; and by many it has been protected. Whoever holds land at a given moment, to him does the fruit then belong.
II.
The giver of land revels sixty thousand years in heaven; the one who steals [land] as well as the one who approves (of the theft), [to him] will befall hell for as many [years].
(18) By the minister Jayasvāmin.