Ancient Indian Colonization in South-East Asia c10.60

c10.60

The inscriptions of Mūla-varman in Borneo prove the prevalence of Brāhmanical religion. These are recorded on pillars which are specifically referred to as *yūpa* or sacrificial pillar set up by the Brāhmaṇas. One inscription refers to the sacrifice called Bahu-suvarṇakam (much-gold). Another inscription probably refers to three other-sacrifices. It says that king Mūla-varman has done many pious deeds, *viz.* Kalpa-vṛkṣa, Bhūmi-dāna and Gosahasrikā. A third inscription refers to jala-dhenu, ghṛta-dhenu, tila-dāna and Kapilā-dāna. All these are included in the sixteen Mahādānas or Great-Gifts denoting so many sacrificial performances. So the first three should be taken as specific sacrifices rather than in the general sense of gift of Kalpa-tree, land and cows, as most scholars have done. This view is supported by the concluding phrase: "Hence the Brāhmaṇas have set up this pillar." For, the setting up of a *yūpa* or pillar is appropriate in a sacrificial performance, but has no meaning in case of an ordinary gift. Another inscription refers to the gift of 20,000 cows to the Brāhmaṇas. This was also presumably the Mahādāna called Go-sahasrikā, as it was commemorated by a *yūpa*-pillar. This gift was made in the holy field of Vaprakeśvara a name also known in India. Another inscription refers to gift of forty thousand and again of thirty thousand (cows?) in the same place. It would thus appear that the religion followed by Mūlavarman was Vedic rather than Purāṇic in character. But reference is made to illumination and *ākāśa-dīpa* which probably refers to Purāṇic rites.