The stone is lying unattended and is prone to theft or damage as it is an ancient piece and could fetch a huge booty in the black market.
Palghar : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has miserably failed to take notice of an ancient stone tablet dated 1248 AD, which has carvings of a donkey physically exploiting a female, and is still in ruins in a field in Kiravali village, Vasai, for more than a year. The carvings denote the type of punishment an individual’s mother would receive in case they fail to adhere to the royal decree during the reign of Shilahar King.
According to the data forwarded by the ASI, the language used is inscribed in Devanagari script with Sanskrit language. The inscription records the gift/grant (the subject matter of the gift is not clear due to obliteration of the inscribe text) to a temple which existed in Kiravali Village.
The meaning of Sun and Moon carved on the top of the inscription signifies that the gift should last long till the Sun and Moon exist.
The Kalash carved in between symbolises the auspiciousness and prosperity, while the carving of donkey in sexual act with a woman denotes that any person who will not adhere to the royal decree will face the punishment whereby his mother would be sexually violated by a donkey.
Shridutta Raut, a historian fighting since ages to keep the ancient history alive, said, “The ASI was informed about this particular stone lying in ruins and they had taken few pictures but failed to return to take this stone in their custody. This stone has been lying unattended and prone to theft as it can fetch a good amount in the black market.”
Mayur Thakare, former Competent Authority Mumbai Circle officer said, “We already have made arrangements to take the ancient stone in our custody and would be done at the earliest.”
Vishal Rajemahadik
