Indian Epigraphy c11.t2.1

c11.t2.1

Sometimes *rāja-śāsanas* were characterised by different names. Thus the Motupalli inscription⁵ (1244-45 A.D.) of the Kākatīya king Gaṇapati calls itself *abhaya-śāsana*, i.e. an edict [assuring] safety’. It is stated, ‘Formerly kings used to take away by force the whole cargo, viz. gold, elephants, horses, gems, etc., carried by ships and vessels which, after they had started from one country for another, were attacked by storms, wrecked and thrown on shore. But we, out of mercy, for the sake of glory and merit, are granting everything besides the fixed duty (*klpta-śulka*) to those who have incurred the great risk of sea voyage with the thought that wealth is more valuable than even life.” The fixed duties are enumerated in the record and the stone pillar bearing the document is styled a *śāsana-stambha*.