Local Government in Ancient India c9.s2.3

c9.s2.3

‘By the Upāsikā Harisvāminī, the wife of the Upāsaka Sanasiddha, for the sake of her parents, twelve *dīnāras* are given, as a permanent endowment, to the community of the faithful, collected from the four quarters of the world, at the holy great *vihāra* of Kākanādaboṭa. With the interest that accrues of these *dīnāras*, day by day one Bhikṣu, who has been introduced into the community, should be fed.
Also, three *dīnāras* are given in the *ratna-gṛha* (jewel-house). With the interest of these three *dīnāras*, day by day three lamps of the divine Buddha should be lit in the *ratna-gṛha*.
Also, one *dīnāra* is given in the place where (the images of) the four Buddhas are seated. With the interest of this, day by day a lamp of the divine Buddha should be lit in the place where (the images of) the four Buddhas are seated.
Thus this permanent endowment,—written upon stone (so as to endure) for the same time with the moon and the sun,—has been accomplished by the Upāsikā Harisvāminī, the noble lady, the wife of Sanasiddha.’
Thus the *Ārya-Saṅgha* or the community of the faithful received permanent deposits called *akṣaya-nīvī* of which the interest alone was to be appropriated for the charity, while the capital was to be kept intact. The inscription also shows that the provision of sacred