[We reproduce here in its entirety T. Burrow's A Translation of the Kharosthi Documents from Chinese Turkestan (James G. Forlong Fund, Vol. XX) (London: The Royal Asiatic Society, 1940). The texts have been scanned and their formatting altered by conversion to HTML. Indications of the page breaks in the original have been added with the numbers in brackets. Transliteration has been simplified by the omission of diacriticals and notes have been numbered and relegated to a separate page linked to the texts (forthcoming). The notes will be of interest only to specialists, since most deal with possible variant interpretations of how to transcribe the words in the original texts or reiterate the fact that the meaning of many of the words which Burrow has not translated is not known. A few photographs have been added to provide a visual sense of the physical appearance of the documents. The material is Copyrighted © by The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, all rights reserved. The Society has generously granted permission for the texts to be posted electronically on Silk Road Seattle for educational purposes. Permission for reproduction of any of the material must be obtained from the Society, not from Silk Road Seattle.

The documents are those discovered by Sir Aurel Stein, primarily at the Tarim Basin site of Niya. Their approximate date range, as established by Brough, is ca. 235-ca. 325 CE. The documents were written in the Kharosthi script in a version of the north Indian Prakrit language related to that used in Gandhara. Users of American English should be aware that Burrows' "corn" refers generically to grain, not to American maize. The writing material is wooden tablets, some rectangular in shape, some wedge-shaped, which had covers and were tied with string and sealed (see photographs below). Where Burrow designates "O" he is referring to the obverse (outside/top of the document, where there is often an inscription similar to an address). "R" is the reverse side.

Transcriptions of the originals and photographs of a number of the tablets were published by A. M. Boyer et al., Kharosthi Inscriptions Discovered by Sir Aurel Stein in Chinese Turkestan, Parts I-III (Oxford, 1920-1927). On the political and social context for the documents, which originated in the Shan-shan Kingdom, see John Brough, "Comments on Third- Century Shan-shan and the History of Buddhism," Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 28 (1965): 582-612 (available to those whose libraries subscribe to the JSTOR database at: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0041-977X%281965%2928%3A3%3C582%3ACOTSAT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-O), and Christopher Atwood, "Life in Third-fourth Century Cadh'ota: A survey of information gathered from the Prakrit documents found north of Minfeng (Niya)," Central Asiatic Journal, 35/3-4 (1991): 161-199. A good overview of Niya's exploration, with some lovely photographs, is that of Christoph Baumer, Southern Silk Road: In the Footsteps of Sir Aurel Stein and Sven Hedin (Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2000), Ch. VIII, pp. 97-106. Stein's own well-illustrated account is in his Ruins of Desert Cathay: Personal Narrative of Explorations in Central Asia and Western Most China, 2 vols. (London, 1912), Vol. I, Chs. XXIII-XXV, pp. 269-299. For new perspectives in the analysis of the Niya and other Tarim Basin archaeological evidence, see Mariner Padwa, "Archaeological GIS and Oasis Geography in the Tarim Basin," The Silk Road (Newsletter of the Silkroad Foundation), 2/2 (December 2004): 26-29 (forthcoming). -- Daniel C. Waugh]

Niya tablets, exterior view	Niya tablet, exterior detail showing seal
Rectangular Niya tablet, text in Kharosthi script	Niya wedge-tablet, text in Kharoshthi script

[v]

A translation of the Kharosthi documents published at the present time must necessarily be far from perfect. Obscure passages remain to be cleared up; the meaning of many words is still unknown. Nevertheless it is time the attempt was made, since it is essential for further advance in the study of the many questions, philological and other, connected with the documents, that they should be made accessible to a wider circle of scholars than has hitherto been the case. This can only be done by a translation, literal, and as accurate as possible.

A great deal, of course, can be made out with certainty. In such cases the straightforward translation is given. In many cases where the meaning of a word is not known, the rest of the sentence is clear, and is translated with the unknown word in italics. Titles like cozbo, etc., whose meaning is known roughly are normally left in italics. Wherever there is doubt about the rendering of a particular passage, a question mark is added in brackets at the end. When nothing can be made of a passage, a space in brackets containing a question mark is inserted. Lacunae in the original are represented by a line of dots within square brackets. Set phrases that occur again and again are not translated after the first time, being indicated by etc. and a line of dots.

No extensive annotation is given. The basis of the interpretation is to be found in my Language of the Kharoshthi Documents from Chinese Turkestan, to which the reader is referred. Short notes are made (a) to correct the readings of the text, (b) wherever the information in the above work needs to be supplemented or corrected. At the end of the volume there is an index of the words thus discussed in the notes. An asterisk is placed before new words resulting from improved readings, a cross before those which should be deleted. A certain amount of other information on individual words is also incorporated there.

On the completion of the edition by Professor Rapson and his colleagues, the documents were divided between this country and India. The originals of Nos. 213-427 and 510-565 are now lodged in the British Museum, and the rest are in Delhi. Apart from photographs, therefore, I have only seen the originals of the numbers / [p. vi] mentioned above. Corrections in the notes in these documents are based on an examination of the originals. In the case of the rest, where photographs, as in the majority of cases, are not available, they are either based on alternatives suggested by the editors themselves or conjectural. The lack of access to the originals is a handicap in the first two hundred documents. Later, in the second and third volumes, when the editors were more sure of themselves it is not so serious.

Documents containing only lists of names, and those too fragmentary to translate, are omitted. /

[p. 1]

279

His maj esty, etc......... The vaseSuvarnamasuga reports that Cakuvaae, sister of kala Acuni of the district of Yave avana, was taken in marriage by Pgena who belongs to the district of Ajiyama-avana. That woman's tote and [muke]si were not taken to Yave-avana. There, sons and daughters were born to her. Camca belonging to the district of Yave-avana took the daughter of Pgena in marriage. The rest (of Cakuvaae's children) have remained belonging to Ajiyama-avana. On behalf of her mother Sarpina is in Yave-avana as wife of Camca. Inasmuch as the father Pgena has given his daughter in exchange, with this claim, by the sons of Pgena [.............] (105).

283

. . . . . . . .] keenness is to be shown in the affairs of the kingdom, guard is to be kept with twofold, threefold care. If here is any news from Khema and Khotan [............... ] you sent a letter of report. From that I the great king have got to know about all the affairs. Also you inform us that on account of the beast(s) [.......... ] the collection of suka-(wine) is to be carefully deposited. Whatever now again [............ ] in the autumn another [............ ] the old enmity and suspicion that existed between them is to be forgotten. Those kidnapped people are to be set down gently and with food [............ ] they are to be treated with kindness like skilled people (? ), they are to be properly nourished with food, so that there [............ ] all the tax in the city has been sent. (106)

286

His majesty, etc......... Mogi complains that ( ? ). There, Kumdho, Platga, and Caru are witnesses. This dispute, etc. (107)

288

At the feet of the master, dear to men and gods, honoured by men and gods, the Bodhisattva in person, the great cozbo Somcaka, the cozbo Yili and Namilgaae pay respect and send the health of his divine [p. 52] body, much, immeasurable and such is our statement : It is a long time since we were able to send you a letter and a present. For that reason we earnestly beg your indulgence. Nothing should be unknown to your divine knowledge. This srdmanera Cakvala has been sent to you to convey (wishes of) good health to your divine body. Whatever communication he makes to you there, by all means his words must be listened to. Let this srdmanera be under your care. Let them do nothing in disregard of him.We have sent a small present so that you need not worry about a present. Later we will send a letter and present in the hand of Dharmapriya, which will be worthy of youfrom Yili one rope, and from Namilgaae one lastuga. To the feet of his dear brother the cozbo Budharaclii of unlimited merit, who abides in (my) heart, Dharmapriya sends health, much. (108)

289

............ (3) the people of the kingdom. If there is a document containing a register of these people, Seraka will bring it to you; (a document) in which these people [........

290

R. col. D.They swore an oath concerning Catroae and Somjasrryae. These people who have been consulted are to go away from Namarasma. (109)

291

His majesty, etc......... (3) Formerly from there (the tax) of kuvana corn was assessed at 350 milima. The yatma Porkota has been sent there on the understanding that they will bring one-(third) part of it into the capital. When this letter of command reaches you, forthwith that corn is quickly to be collected. Forty camels are to be given loads of three milima each (each load consisting) of two parts juthi and one part sahini. (The remaining) two-thirds are to be deposited at Pisali. Fifteen camels whichever are ready first are to be taken out to (transport) the wine. These camels are to be taken from the military people. (110) [p. 53]

292

...... gives instructions to the cozbo Somj aka ; (you) must be acquainted with what I write, namely when I have given a command concerning the affairs of the kingdom [.......... ] so a letter of information is to be sent to the feet of me the great king. Also from there in the hand of the letter-carrier Sug[............ ] has now been handed over to the cavalry. Also again you report that the kuvana corn has been collected, (so) you report, (to the extent of) 346 milima [............. ] the corn is to be collected. Also those people of Cadota who were carried off [......... ] have come there into their own territory to Alma Bhumi [............ ] are to be looked after as if they were your own. Also you report on the matter of the fugitives. Farmland and house must be given to those fugitives [............ ]. Also kharagi and seed is to be given to those fugitives, so that they can make copious and plentiful cultivation. (111)

295

. . . . . . . .] gives instructions to [....... ] and the kala Karamtsa. Now the cozbo Suryamitra complains that the monk [........ .]. Just as formerly the tax was a jar of pomegranates (containing) 1 khi, so now it is to be demanded. As regards the madder (rotamna) in Devi Catisae Avana, he has been excused from that, (so) do not ask for it. Again Suryamitra complains that a man Luthu in court, in the presence of the gusura and magistrates has contradicted (the fact that) he borrowed a girl Kuti from Suryamitra's farm. If this sealed wedge-tablet reaches you, forthwith quickly the girl to him [........] (112)

296

His majesty, etc......... I the great king have granted to Mochakama in Vamtu-avana one man (called) Dham,akathiga from the Calmadana agricultural estate (misiyade). In his place now, by me the great king, a fugitive man has been given there in Vamtuavana. When this sealed wedge-tablet reaches you, whatever isolated Khotanese fugitive there may be, he shall be handed over to the messengers from Vamtu-avana. [p. 54] In the 10th year, 2nd month, 4th day, in the great city at the king's court. In Vamtu-avana. (113)

297

A. (N., xv, 79)
His majesty, etc......... The vase camkura Cakvala reports that Tsugesila, a native there of Yirumdhina-avana is removing the hasgga. When this wedge-tablet reaches you, forthwith the matter is to be carefully examined there with sworn testimony, whether it is really so. According to the former law the hasgga is to be sent here to the king's court. Yirumdhina Avana.

B. (N., xv, 121)
. . .] In that matter Pugo is a witness there. The ogu Purnasa seized two camels of Camaka. Thus the magistrates decided here at the king's court-that one camel from the cozbo Cimola and a second camel from the guards should be taken to Camaka. Up till to-day they have not taken them. When this sealed wedge-tablet reaches you, forthwith you must make careful inquiries there in person and according to the decision at the king's court these two camels are to be delivered to Camaka. If again there should be any dispute, etc......... (114)

298

In the 17th year of his majesty the great king Jitumgha Mairiya son of heaven at this date in the 4th month, on the 17th day Caku, Moge, and Asena made a lawsuit. Caku took it upon him to do the farm work, (while) Asena and Moge undertake to make the complaint at the king's court. Those ploughed fields of the farm which have been ploughed are to be properly watered and looked after. Both the internal and external cultivation is to be properly looked after. (115) [p. 55]

303

(Fragmentary list.) (116)

305

The kala Kunala sends health to his dear brother, beloved of men and gods, the cozbo Somjaka, much, immeasurable. I am pleased that you are well ; you will be pleased to hear that I am well; and thus I (write) namely: You know all (about the fact that) the load of the ( ? ) beast(s) was to be taken from Cadota. The people of Calmatana loaded the corn from their own. Some took from it; others took from it again a second and third time. At that time the yatma Caule had to pack his load from that. He [loaded it] from his own [........] (117)

306

To be given to the tuguya Cimola ..... ]. From Saca one camel is to be given (and) it is to be sent back from Cadota. Now in the spring-time he is going on speedy business. An unserviceable beast must not be given him, everything serviceable must be given him. (118)

307

The son of the great king, the kala Kupsuda sends health, much, immeasurable to the great cozbo Somjaka, of pleasant aspect, whose life is a hundred divine years worthy of him, a divinity in person; and I am exceedingly pleased to hear from you that you are in good health. I too am well, you will be pleased to hear, and thus (I write), namely: Just as formerly people belonging to my district have been under your care, so let them now be altogether under your care. Whatever tax (there is) from there, let it be collected. Also what corn had to be bought by (a payment of) wine, so let it be bought. Particular instructions must be given to the yatma and ageta, that nothing must be short and also to the yatma and ayeta each of whom have to go in front. (119) [p. 56]

308

His maj esty, etc.........gamasena reports that he has a dispute with Cugapa about a man. On that point Namtiga and Cacuka are witnesses. When this wedge, etc......... If you are not clear there, only oath and testimony are to be written in a letter and a letter of report sent here.

309

His majesty, etc......... gives instructions to the cozbo Somjaka, as follows: The people who were in charge of the government there before you, at that time they used to bring here 150 milima of koyimamdhina corn. During the time you have been in charge of the province, since then the corn has not been brought. In winter there was a letter of command from here (saying that) that corn was to be brought to Calmadana. You have not sent it to Calmadana. When this wedge-tablet of command shall arrive there, forthwith this koyimamdhina [corn ............ ] is not, its equivalent in value (?) is to be purchased and sent here in.the hand of Lyipana. It must not be held back. (120)

310

His majesty, etc......... The treasurer Kuvineya reports that two men, fathers, belonging to him escaped and are there. When this sealed wedge-tablet reaches you, forthwith these men are to be carefully searched for. The bridge is to be put into the charge of Cimaka and Sekla, so that they shall not escape to another kingdom. In the year before last there was a wedge-tablet concerning__ these men (sent) in the hand of Sugi, (but) up till to-day nothing has been heard. Again there was a letter of command in the hand of the secret agent Lyipta and again no decision was heard of. Again there was a letter of instruction with a detailed account concerning these men in the hand of Sugi. Now the matter has been carefully examined [p. 57] here. (We find that) for three years these men have been working there and you do not send them here. If suitable people shall come here, these men are to be sent here in their hands, so that they shall not again disappear from the road. (121)

(The " traces of three or four lines " on the reverse can be read as follows) :

A.
(1) ede mamnusa .. .. patruga
(2) sa ca istri mamtritamti avi
(3) ede anada pruch davya ya . . gramammi (4) ya . . gothammi huamti

B
(1) avi cimaka sekla sa ca mamtritamti cadotammi asti j alpitamti
(2) sugiyasa hastammi eka vara ede mamnusana prace anadi kilamudra gida biti vara
(3) lyipta anadi lekha gida kapgeyasa hastammi a[na]ti lekha . . huati
(4) caturtha vara sothamga ........... The women said that these men are [........ ] and Patruga. They are to be carefully inquired after in whatever village and house they are. Also Cimaka and Sekla have spoken. They said that-they are in Cadota. One time a letter of command concerning these men was taken in the hand of Sugiya. A second time Lyipta took a letter of command. There was a letter of command in the hand of Kapgeya. A fourth time the sothamga [........] (122)

311

. . . . . . . . . . .] is to be sent here in the hand of [. . . . .].If he takes compassion (?) on my life, I will be able to do a good deed in return for that person of excellent virtues. As a present one hastavarsaga has been sent. (123)

312

His majesty, etc......... Jihmaya complains that the hire of a man Kamki was awarded to him from Catata and Aya, (and) a [p. 58] written document was made. When this sealed wedge-tablet reaches you, forthwith you must carefully inquire in person whether it is really so. According to what was decided here at the king's court so you must make a decision there. You must not act differently from that. If you are not clear, etc..... (124)

313

(List dealing with pake.)
(Column C.) There is no mention of these people here (to the effect that you are employing them there). (125)

314

The cvavalayina Maltsuta sends health, etc......... A man Kolyisa [.......... ] took a camel there to fatten. They made witnesses the cvavalayina Maltsuta [........... ] Parneya Dhamasira and Capeya. These people (who are) witnesses there [.......

315

His majesty, etc......... The ogu Samasena reports that formerly from there tsamghina tax was paid and that (now) they are not bringing even a quarter of it (and) they owe a great deal here. There the tsamghinava's must swear (an oath) and Kolyisa is to be carefully interrogated. When this wedge, etc......... (Cov.-tablet, Rev.) A careful inquiry is to be made into the small cattle producing ghee and the cows. So much as there is must all be sent here.

316

To her dear sister Pumnalazaae, Cukapae sends health, much, immeasurable, and thus (reports) : I have sent you one pamzavamta made of prigha, you must certainly send me a coat. (126)

317

To the cozbo Somj aka of pleasant aspect, dear to men and gods, the cozbo Bhimasena [............ ] am well here. Whatever business there may be, there is no correct account of it with me the [p.59] great king. Also [............ ] also they are sending messengers. Even so you are unwilling, you do not allow [............ ] should be suitable. These people who administer the royal tax there [............ ]. The revenue which has been assessed from the town office there [............ ]. You write here on account of the reckoning. So in protsa kresa [............. ] time, so you must come here so that [........] (127)

318

This document concerning a theft by Kacano (slave) of Samgila is to be carefully kept by Larsu. This is the seal of the cozbos Imdrasena and Kirtisama. In the ninth year of his majesty the_. great king Jitugha Vasmana, son of heaven, on the 19th day of the 3rd month, at this date the ogus Asuraga, Piteya, Rohana, Jayasa, Kirtisama, and Ldasa, the cozbo Takra, the camkura Purnadana and the cozbo Mitrapala heard (a case). Larsu reported, " property of mine was lost and was recovered from Kacano, slave of Samgila."(The property consisted of): One embroidered vidapa ; a j acket made of white silk ; a samimna ; a lgokmana of many colours ; a yellow-coloured kuvana-garment ; a jacket made of hempen cloth ; a kharavarna garment ; an embroidered lyokmana; a kremeru; a paliyarnaga garment; four golden dare; one varsaga; five pasta of woollen cloth; two blue-dyed kigi. These objects are valued at [........] all the property has been recovered. (128)

320

(Rev.)........ ] will be. Considering that there is no other man there who would pay (proper) attention to (my) cultivation, [p.60] I am writing, now that I have an opportunity, to you; and I request you to take thought concerning this Phuvasena and let him go, so that he can take in hand my ploughing and sowing. If even so you do not take compassion and let him go, there is another man there called Sarpiga who is suitable. But this pdyandtsa is to be written. By all means let Phuvasena be freed and let go, I request you particularly. I have brought this matter to your notice now that I have an opportunity, lest there be an absence of opportunity in the future. I have sent this letter of request and greeting from the rocakhora of the ogu Jeyasa, so you need not be angry about (the absence of) a gift. Since you went away from here your house and family are all well. (129)

322

This document concerning a man of Khotan is to be carefully preserved by Kilyagiya. In the 21st year of his majesty the great king Jitugha Mayiri, son of heaven, on the 11th day of the 2nd month, at this date, Pugo and the secret agent Opgeya arose and gave a Khotanese man called Samngo to the society of monks at Cadota. Now again the society of monks at Cadota handed over this man to the vases Spirta and Kumnasena. This was written in front of the cozbos Yitaka and Vukto. Whoever in the future [makes a claim] against Kilyagiya, the Kala Purnabala, or the vases and agetas, shall have no claim to payment. (130)

323

(Rev.) .... ] news of peace. Another acovimna man is to be quickly sent here.

324

In the 4th year of his majesty the great King Mairi the son of heaven, on the 13th day of the 3rd month, at this date ( ? ) the Supis came to Calmadana ; they plundered the kingdom and carried off the inhabitants. The Supis seized a man called Samrpina, a slave of the vase Yonu and sent him as a present to Cinasgasi (the Chinaman Sgasi). Cinasgasi (provided) from here, as a recompense for the man, two golden staters and two drachmas. (Consequently) that man [p. 61] became the rightful property (?) of Sgasi. His own master, the vasu Yonu, did not wish to remove the man himself, and permission was given to Sgasi to sell him to others. Considering this Cinasgasi sold this man to Katge. As the price of the man [........ ] and one bow is right. Cinasgasi has sold well and Katge has bought well. From now on [........] (131)

325

(Fragmentary.):
(Rev. 4.) ... fifty blows, and all his beard (shall be) shaved off. Witnesses are [........]

326

This document concerning the house and farm of the people of Trasa Avana [.......... ] and the house and farm and land of Kamaya is to be carefully preserved by the cozbo Samasena. This is the seal of the ogus Pamcatva and Conakara and of the cozbo Bhimasena. (Rev.) ........ ] and Picga complained concerning the house and farm and land of Kamaya. The vasu Vugaca and the yatma Yipicga [.......... ] the farm and house and land of Kamaya belongs to Trasa Avana. On that point there were no witnesses. The cozbo Samasena made a representation (saying) : The farm and house of Kamaya is our inherited property. There many old people of Cadota came out as witnesses. Considering that the house and farm and land of Kamaya is the inherited property of the cozbo Samasena, we have decided that this house and farm' and land, along with everything on it belongs to the cozbo Samasena. There shall be no payments or receipts on the part of the people of Trasa Avana, the matter has been cleared, a decision has been made.

327

In the 23rd year, 2nd month, 4th day of his majesty the great king [............ ] it is at this date. A slave of care Lustu and Tsimava, called Asamna, sold thirteen kuthala in mini-land to Kolasi, slave of Acufiaya. The price was given, one cow (worth) ten (units) in price. Further, as atga price, one kojava (rug) was given of the price [p. 62] of five. The accumulated price was fifteen. Thus they agreed in front of the magistrates. The kitsayitsa Varpa and the kalas Kutreya and Karamtsa were witnesses. The cozbo Lustu was a witness [........] and Karamtsa and the sothamgha [........] (132)

328

This is the seal of the gusuras Ca[k]urata and Asoga. [. . . . . . . .] Katgaya shall have ownership over this man for all matters. Witnesses there (are) the opus Cakurata, Asoga, Cakuraya, and gamasena, and the kala Kunala. On the matter of ( ? ) his majesty must think. (This) has been written by me, Vutsava (?).

329

His majesty, etc......... (3) And now the business of the wine has come up at Calmadana. When this letter of command shall arrive there, forthwith wine (capable of being carried) by five camels is to be sent here in the hand o f this Caulgeya. The load of one camel is 1 milima 1 khi, so that he can measure out 1 milima complete in Calmadana. From there [............ ] together the wine is to be taken. This wine should be taken to Calmadana on the fifth day of the fourth month. By no means let there be any [............] of the wine. (133)

330

Concerning aklatsa camels from the Khotanese [........ ] and the sramana Pumna[. .]ma-to be kept by the cozbo Samasena. This is the seal of the vase Opge and the carapurusa Opge. [. . . . .] the kori Rutraya [............ ] the sothamgha Sucama [............ ] the scribes Vugeya and Budharacfii.

331

This document concerning a girl adopted from Priyapata is to be kept carefully by Kacana. This is the seal of the kala Pumnabala. In the 11th year of his majesty the great king Jitugha Mairi the son of heaven, in the 2nd month, on the 8th day, at this date, (there is) a man called Priyapata belonging to the district of the son of the great [p. 63] king, the kala Pumnabala. To him a daughter was born. They wanted to expose her on the ground. Kacana took her up from the ground. Kacana gave the " milk-fee " to Priyapata. It was settled as one horse. That girl is not to be sold by Kacana, nor mortgaged, nor removed from his-house, and she is not to be ill-treated in the house. She is to be regarded as his own daughter With reference to this girl in the future, a second (different) statement is not to be brought up by the man Priyavata or by her mother. (The document) has been written by me, the sramana Mochabudhi at the command of kala Pumnabala, son of the great king. It is authoritative in every district. (134)

333

His majesty, etc......... (3) (? ).(4) From now on, a borrowed (?) horse is not to be sent out by you, only that which [............ ] will send out. The fugitives from Khotan who have entered the bridge there, in this way [.............. ]. The [cu]roma is to be sent here in the hand of Lyipta. The horse(s) (employed in transporting) the wine [........] (135)

334

The daughter of Kamkuca, called Kamcgoae [? ........]. The daughter of the woman Ramotiyae was (taken in marriage) to Catisa deviyae avana, [........] The adopted daughter of Pleya Balavama [....... ] wife. The mother of [..... ka] is from Catisa deviyae avana [.......... ] by name is wife of Dhamakama. [......... ] taken in marriage to [. . . . .] avana, in Catisa deviyae avana. A woman [...... ] by name [.......... ] was taken to Catisa deviyae avana as wife of Mutrasra. The daughter of Kamkuca [.......... ] by name [........ ] the korara Cakvala [........

335

This letter from the Khotani gakha, concerning a camel is to be carefully preserved by Cugapa. [p. 64 ] [............ (2) and thus he says, namely : A long time has passed and we have not sent you from here a letter and present, nor have we heard anything from you there. For that reason very much [............ ] should be. Also corn of yours was received here. The rest of that corn has been paid over [............. ] the price of the corn must undoubtedly be sent from there [........... ] should be paid [............ ] we have sent; you should not worry about a present.

336

This letter from the scribe Rams[otsa] concerning land is to be carefully preserved by the cozbo Somj aka.

338

To be opened by (my) dear brother, the cozbo Somjaka. ........ ] will be carried off.There in ( ? ) you certainly send new vailiu. Of them such of the people of my kilme who do wrong against each other, (in their case) a decision is to be made according to the law. Also concerning the camel of Kua about which there is a dispute, a wedge-tablet has been made.Of them [........ ] is to be made. There will be a decision here: do not take counsel on the matter there. The arrangements for the exchange of wives (striyana mukesi) which have been made by the people of my kilme with outsiders (parasya mulade) Camaka knows. His counsel is to be taken. Such witnesses as there are-their evidence (7nam < tra >) is to be written down and sent here. One hastavarsaga is sent as a token of good will.

339

(To cozbo Somjaka.) His majesty, etc......... Sucamma complains that a camel has been awarded to him from Pgena. Even so (Pgena) does not give it. Further, Pgena bound (?) his father Kuunge hand and foot and beat him. When this wedge, etc......... concerning the camel a decision is to be made in accordance with the former award ; the beating [......] (136)

340

(To cozbo Kranaya and sothamga Lyipeya.) His majesty, etc......... The monk Samgarachi complains that now five years his [............ ] up till to-day, the hire [p. 65] [............ ]. When this wedge, etc......... you must ask how many months and days [............ ] the camel went away [............. ] is to be decided. If it is otherwise [...... ]a decision is to be made. (137)

341

His majesty, etc......... Also there the camels from the herds such as are three years old, and from that age up to eight years are to be sent here in the hand of the sothamga Kolyisa and Calmasa. On the tenth of the eleventh month, Pisali [............ ] (4) the camels are not to be sent. A letter of information is to be sent first from Pisali. When you have read these (letters) the letter is to be sent from Pisali.

343

In the eighth year of the great king Jitugha Vasmana son of Heaven, on the ninth day of the twelfth month, at this date the cozbo Larsu bought food for the order (samghabhata) for the price of a jacket. Received was muli 16, khi 15, and distributed. One muli remained over. (138)

344

(To cozbo Kranaya and sothamga Lyipe.) If he dies this one is to be taken back. A decision is to be made according to the former law of the kingdom. If you are not clear there, there will be a decision when they come before our presence at the royal court.

345

In the 9th year of his majesty the great king Jitugha Vasmana, son of heaven, 3rd month, 5th day, at this date, Larsu says : It is a fact that in Cadota the monk Anamdasena received 30 milima of corn on loan from Cugopa. Further he received 15 khi of wine on loan. In addition the slave of this monk Anamdasena, Budhagosa by name, he stole from the house of me (and) Cugopa 12 lengths of silk (pata) and also 3 urnavarande, 2 ropes (rasamna), 3 felt garments (namati), 4 sheep, 1 aresa amounting in all (sarvapimda-gamnanena) to the value of 100 muli. Concerning this matter Cugopa swore an oath. Thus the whole was to be paid over by the monk Anamdasena and received by Cugopa and Larsu. Further that monk was owing at the court (dvara[mmi]) a fine of one cow. [p. 66] Now again the monk Anamdasena made_ representations with Larsu and made efforts. So Larsu desirous of acquiring merit together with the monk Anamdasena, they came to an agreement with each other outside (the court). This monk gave the thief man Budhagosa to Larsu as equivalent to the value (namely) 110 muli of the corn Anamdasena received on loan and the twelve lengths of cloth (etc.) that were stolen. Also the cozbo Larsu abandoned his claims against the monk Anamdasena for this 110 muli. From this day forth Larsu shall have no claim against the monk Anamdasena concerning this 110 muli and the [thefts] of his slave.Neither shall the monk Anamdasena have any claim against Larsu concerning this thief man of his. Everything has been settled and a decision has been reached. If at a future time the monk Anamdasena or his son or grandson, or any kinsman of his or son of a kinsman should want to alter this, or should stir up a dispute about the decision, in such a case their renewal of action (muha cotamna) shall be without authority and they shall incur a penalty. They shall pay as a penalty into the royal funds ([ra]yakammi) , thirty lengths of cloth, and having paid all this penalty, without doubt it shall continue as is written above. Witnesses on this matter are the ogu Kirtisama, Ldasa, Takra, and the camkura Anugaya.

(In) the monastery (samgaramam) : Cugapa, 3 masusa and 10 milima of corn ; half has disappeared ; pasdha (_ ?) ; Priyasri, 1 milima of corn; Sammarya, 1 milima of corn; Sammapri, 1 milima of corn; Jepriya, 1 milima of corn; Capyana, 5 khi of corn; Dhammaramna, 10 khi of corn; Codistri (? ), 10 khi of corn; Narsita, 1 milima of corn; Cimaga, 1 milima of corn ; [. .]kha, 1 milima of corn ; Cimgse, 1 milima of corn ; girsa,15 khi of corn ; Tamcano, [. .]