This inscription is one of several incised on the steps leading to a ruined shrine near the reconstructed porch known as ‘the Stone Canopy’ or ‘Burrows’ Pavilion’ in the area of the Abhayagiri vihara at Anurādhapura. Eight of these inscriptions remain legible. On the basis of palaeographic evidence, they can be dated to the second half of the sixth century or the first half of the seventh century. They register grants of money by various individuals to the Abhayagiri-vihāra for the maintenance of slaves.

Metadata
Inscription ID IN03173
Title Anurādhapura Stone Steps near ‘Burrows’ Pavilion’ Inscription 2
Alternative titles
Parent Object OB03141
Related Inscriptions
Responsibility
Author Senarath Paranavitana
Print edition recorded by
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Digitally edited by
Edition improved by
Authority for
Metadata recorded by
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Language සිංහල
Reigning monarch
Commissioner
Topic registers a grant of money by a named individual to the Abhayagiri-vihāra for the maintenance of slaves
Date:
Min 550
Max 650
Comment Basis for dating: palaeography.
Hand
Letter size 4.445 cm
Description Letter size varies from ¾ to 1¾ inches (1.905 to 4.445 cm).
Layout
Campus:
Width
Height
Description Campus dimensions not reported. Three lines engraved on the first tread of the stone steps leading to a ruined shrine near the reconstructed porch known as ‘the Stone Canopy’ or ‘Burrows’ Pavilion’ in the area of the Abhayagiri vihara at Anurādhapura. The tread is comprised of two stone pieces and the present inscription is engraved on the right-hand piece. IN03172 and IN03174 are engraved on the same piece of stone. The former occupies the left side of the stone and the latter appears immediately below the present inscription. No space has been left between the ends of the lines of IN03172 and the beginnings of those of the present inscription and IN03174, making it appear at first glance as if the writing on this stone comprised a single inscription, rather than three distinct records.
Decoration
Bibliography
References Edited and translated by Senarath Paranavitana in Epigraphia Zeylanica 4 (1934–41): 136–141, no. 16, II.
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