No. III
Inscription in the Nail-headed character of the Mori Princes of Cheetore, taken from a column on the banks of the lake Mansurwur, near that city.
By the lord of waters may thou be protected! What is there which resembles the ocean? on whose margin the red buds of honey-yielding trees are eclipsed by swarms of bees, whose beauty expands with the junction of numerous streams. What is like the ocean, inhaling the perfume of the Paryata [(1)], who was compelled to yield as tribute, wine, wealth, and ambrosia [(2)]? Such is the ocean!—may he protect thee.
Of a mighty gift, this is the memorial. This lake enslaves the minds of beholders, over whose expanse the varied feathered tribe skim with delight, and whose banks are studded with every kind of tree. Falling from the lofty-peaked mountain, enhancing the beauty of the scene, the torrent rushes to the lake. The mighty sea-serpent [(3)], o’erspent with toil in the churning of the ocean, repaired to this lake for repose.
On this earth’s surface was Maheswara [(4)], a mighty prince, during whose sway the name of foe was never heard; whose fortune was known to the eight quarters [(5)]; on whose arm victory reclined for support. He was the light of the land. The praises of the race of Twast’ha [(6)] were determined by Brahma’s own mouth.
Fair, filled with pride, sporting amidst the shoals of the lotos, is the swan fed by his hand, from whose countenance issue rays of glory: such was Raja Bheem [(7)], a skilful swimmer in the ocean of battle, even to where the Ganges pours in her flood [(8)] did he go, whose abode is Avanti [(9)]. With faces resplendent as the moon, on whose lips yet marked with the wound of their husband’s teeth, the captive wives of his foes, even in their hearts does Raja Bheem dwell. By his arm he removed the apprehensions of his enemies; he considered them as errors to be expunged. He appeared as if created of fire. He could instruct even the navigator [(10)] of the ocean.
From him was descended Raja Bhoj [(11)]. How shall he be described; he, who in the field of battle divided with his sword the elephant’s head, the pearl from whose brain [(12)] now adorns his breast; who devours his foe as does Rahoo [(13)] the sun or moon, who to the verge of space erected edifices in token of victory?
From him was a son whose name was Maun, who was surcharged with good qualities, and with whom fortune took up her abode. One day he met an aged man: his appearance made him reflect that his frame was as a shadow, evanescent; that the spirit which did inhabit it was like the seed of the scented Kadama [(14)]; that the riches of royalty were brittle as a blade of grass; and that man was like a lamp exposed in the light of day. Thus ruminating, for the sake of his race who had gone before him, and for the sake of good works, he made this lake, whose waters are expansive and depth unfathomable. When I look on this ocean-like lake, I ask myself, if it may not be this which is destined to cause the final doom [(15)].
The warriors and chiefs of Raja Maun [(16)] are men of skill and valour—pure in their lives and faithful. Raja Maun is a heap of virtues—the chief who enjoys his favour may court all the gifts of fortune. When the head is inclined on his lotos foot, the grain of sand which adheres becomes an ornament thereto. Such is the lake, shaded with trees, frequented by birds, which the man of fortune, Sriman Raja Maun, with great labour formed. By the name of its lord (Maun), that of the lake (surwur) is known to the world. By him versed in the alankara, Pushha, the son of Naga Bhut, these stanzas have been framed. Seventy had elapsed beyond seven hundred years (Samvatisir), when the lord of men, the King of Malwa [(17)] formed this lake. By Sevadit, grandson of Khetri Karug, were these lines cut [800].
[Note 1.]—The Paryata is also called the Har-singar, or ‘ornament of the neck,’ its flowers being made into collars and bracelets. Its aroma is very delicate, and the blossom dies in a few hours.