The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c15.44

v1.c15.44

(1) *Tezpur Rock Inscription.*—A short inscription of 9 lines in ungrammatical Sanskrit incised on a big boulder of granite, lying on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra, about one mile below Tezpur (Darrang district). The rock, which from a distance resembles the head of an elephant, is locally known as Dhenkanal. Above the first line, near the middle, there is the figure of a *Triśūla* or trident. Immediately below the 9th line is given the date G.E. 510, corresponding roughly to A.D. 829. The characters agree with the date and belong to the northern class of alphabets of about the 9th century A.D. The inscription refers itself to the *Vardhamāna vijayarājya* of *Mahārājādhirāja-Parameśvara-Paramamāheśvara Śrī*-Harjjaravarmmadeva living in Harūppeśvara-pura. The inscription records the settlement of a dispute between the local *Kaivarta-nau-k(u)kṣi-sva-bhakṣa-sādhanī*,¹ the *naurajjaka*² and the *Nākkajosī*³ for tolls. The settlement was made with the arbitration of the local military commanders and *pañcakula* Brahmans. It was decided that the vessels, which henceforth failed to steer by the mid-stream were to pay a fine of five *buṭṭikas*.⁴ The dispute occurred in the administration (*adhikāradine*) of *Mahāsāmanta Senādhyakṣa* Sucitta.¹