The Taxila Copperplate: A Priceless Record of Kushan-Era Buddhism

Discovery & Significance

In 1904 (2447 BE), Sir John Marshall unearthed a copperplate inscription at Taxila, Pakistan—one of the most important Buddhist epigraphic finds. Dating to 78 CE (Year 78 of the "Maharaja Moga" era), it reveals:

1. Royal Patronage:

   • King Patika, son of the Kshatrapa Liaka Kusulaka, enshrined Buddha’s relics and built a monastery (sangharama) in Taxila.

   • Mentions Rohinimitra, the architect-supervisor—a rare nod to ancient engineers.

2. Doctrinal Clarity:

   • Explicitly names the Buddha as "Śākyamuni", countering claims that Gandharan Buddhism was "non-historical."

3. Geographical Proof:

   • Confirms Taxila’s ancient name (Takshashila) and its status as a Buddhist hub.

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Key Inscription Details

• Script: Kharoṣṭhī (used in NW India from 3rd c. BCE–3rd c. CE).

• Language: Hybrid Sanskrit-Prakrit, typical of Kushan administrative texts.

• Current Location: British Museum, London (Room 33).

Translation Highlights:

"In the 78th year of Maharaja Moga, on the 5th day of Panemos, Patika—son of Liaka Kusulaka, satrap of Taxila—established relics of the Bhagavān Śākyamuni and a monastery. [...] For the worship of all Buddhas, his parents, and the welfare of his family."

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Why This Matters

1. Kushan Chronology: The "Year 78" likely marks the start of the Kanishka era (still debated).

2. Relic Cult: Shows lay-devotee kings funding stupas—a practice Ashoka pioneered.

3. Global Legacy: Taxila’s multiculturalism (Greek, Persian, Indian) birthed Greco-Buddhist art.

Did You Know? The Kshatrapas were Saka rulers—proof of Buddhism’s appeal across ethnic lines!

(Source: Marshall’s Taxila: An Illustrated Account, 1951)