A 766-year-old stone tablet lies at the mercy of the weather and at risk of vandalism in a Naigaon village, a local historian said, even as the archaeological authorities delay taking possession of the artifact.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the government body entrusted with the preservation of historical artifacts has established that the stone tablet in Kiravali village, which has a carving of a woman having sex with a donkey, is datable to the reign of the Shilahara dynasty in 1248 AD.
Meanwhile, Vasai historian Shridatta Raut said that the tablet was only one of Vasai's neglected historical artifacts. "In Vasai taluka, there are at least 70 inscriptions and 40 tablets, which are unattended and are of historical importance. ASI should act fast to protect these ancient artifacts," he said.
Raut added that the tablet at Kiravali was at risk of theft. "It can be stolen and sold in the international market, where it will fetch a hefty price," said Raut.
He added, "Two months ago, the ASI officials visited the village and took photographs of the tablet. They agreed that it should be taken into their possession. But they never came back, and it is lying in a dilapidated state."
The ASI has established that the carving and the accompanying Sanskrit inscription in Devanagari script refers to a gift or grant made by Shilahara king Anant Dev III to a temple which existed in Kiravali. The carvings of the sun and moon denote that the gift should last as long as the sun and moon exist. The auspicious ornament (kalash) symbolises auspiciousness and prosperity. The carving of the donkey in a sexual act with a woman is said to be a warning to a thief or vandal that his mother would be subjected to the act shown. The date on the tablet is 25 October 1248.
Meanwhile, an ASI official told dna that the tablet would "soon" be collected for study, but did not offer a time frame. Mayur Thakare, Mumbai circle officer with ASI, said, "We will take the stone tablet in our possession." He added that in the meanwhile ASI would ensure that the tablet was safe from thieves. He said, "If necessary we will take the locals into confidence as well. We will inform local authorities about the stone and will make sure that it is not stolen."
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