Indian Epigraphy c15.t1.42

c15.t1.42

There is a tendency among a section of epigraphists to view the genuineness of an inscription bearing an irregular date with suspicion. But it seems to be a wrong approach to the problem since the irregularity in the dates may be due to factors absolutely unconnected with the question of the genuineness of the documents. Many cases of irregularity were no doubt due to mistakes in the calculation of incompetent astrologers and the erroneous method of calculation followed in the preparation of the almanacs.¹ Varying local traditions regarding the astrological character of particular days, *tithis* or moments may have also contributed to the difference referred to. Another cause of irregularity in the dates of royal documents seems to have been the fact that, in some cases at least, the court astrologer had reason to fabricate an auspicious moment when really there was none. This was hardly difficult for him to do since his royal master and most of the latter’s courtiers were blessedly ignorant of astronomy and had to depend entirely on the astrologer for the determination of an appropriate moment for a particular undertaking. Of course there may be other possible reasons for an irregularity creeping into the date of a royal charter.