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INTRODUCTION
17
The character of the language reflects the middle stage of the MiddleIndo-Aryan. In the light of the above evidences the genuineness of the date mentioned in the Prasasti of Paumacariyam becomes doubtful. I am tempted to suggest that the date mentioned, really may belong to the Krta or Vikrama Era which was converted into Nirvana era by mistake* or even may be deliberately. Thus the correct date of Paumacariyam1 come to (530-57 = 473 A.D.).
* A parallel to such a mistake can be quoted from the Jaina tradition. The date of the fall of Vallabhi empire is given as 845 V. S. in the Vividhatīrthakalpa (p 29), whereas the Prabandhakosa (p. 74) refers to 845 A. V. and the former is the correct date (see Maitraka Kalina Gujarata by H. G. Shastri Pt. I, p. 157 ff.).
1. Readers are also referred to my article, New Light on the Date of Paumacariyam, Journal of the Oriental Institute Baroda, Vol. XIII, No. 4, pp. 378-368,.
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