The Sanskrit Inscription of Śaṅkara and Its Interpretation in the National History of Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract It is a well-known fact that Sanskrit had a relatively shorter and less prolific lifespan in the epigraphy of Indonesia, particularly in the Javanese epigraphic record, than in that of other Southeast Asian regions. All the more precious, therefore, are the rare opportunities to add a Sanskrit inscription to the historical record of Java and learn more of how the Sanskrit language was deployed on the island to represent events recorded for posterity. In this article, I offer my edition and interpretation of the inscription referred to in Indonesian publications as Prasasti Sankhara (sic, with kh), that is, the Inscription of Śaṅkara; debunk the entirely unfounded interpretation which it has received in successive reprints and editions of the greatly influential Sejarah nasional Indonesia (National history of Indonesia); and show the real historical interest of this inscription.

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