Indian Epigraphy c15.t1.37

c15.t1.37

Some of the errors in the dates of Indian records have to be ascribed to the astrologer at the villages and courts.¹ With the innumerable copies of printed almanacs, called Pañjī, Pañjikā or Pañcāṅga, of various types in each one of the numerous regional languages, available to the literate people in all parts of India, it is impossible in these days of advanced literacy in the country to realise the great importance of the astrologer in Indian social life before the 19th century.² There is epigraphic evidence to show that the office of the village astrologer was an institution recognised by the State during Hindu rule.³ That the astrologers at the royal courts of ancient and medieval India were often not competent astronomers is also clearly shown by the Sarkho plates⁴ of Kalacuri Ratnadeva II, dated 1128 A.D.