Indian Epigraphy c6.s3.6

c6.s3.6

It has to be remembered in this connection that many inscriptions as well as literary works of a historical character are lost. We know that, of no less than twelve chronicles dealing with the ancient history of Kashmir, including the works of Nilamuni, Helārāja, Chavillākara, Padmamihira, Suvrata and Kṣemendra (11th century), which were available to Kalhaṇa in the 12th century, only a part of Nilamuni’s chronicle has so far been discovered. It is well known that the Indian climate is not favourable for the preservation of manuscripts, written on leaves, birch-bark sheets and similar other perishable materials. Even first rate dramas of poets like Rāmila and Saumilla, which were widely popular in the days of Kālidāsa (4th-5th century A.D.), have not come down to us. Fortunately some of the documents were engraved on lasting materials like stone and metal and a large number of these has been discovered.