Indian Epigraphical Glossary c6.2596

c6.2596

Karaṇika (CII 4; BL), official designation of a scribe; the writer of legal documents; explained by some as ‘an officer in charge of a State department or office’ (HD); but really, a scribe. Cf. Karaṇika-ṭhakkura (i.e. a Karaṇika who enjoyed the dignity of a Ṭhakkura) in Ep. Ind., Vol. XX, p. 44; Vol. VIII, p. 158; and Karaṇika-Brāhmaṇa (i.e. a Karaṇika who belonged to the Brāhmaṇa community) in Bhandarkar’s List, No. 350. See Mahākaraṇika.