Inscriptions of Sumatra: Further Data on the Epigraphy of the Musi and Batang Hari Rivers Basins

摘要

This is a review article of a catalogue of Sumatra inscriptions, recently published in Indonesia. After some remarks on this catalogue, the article presents details about twelve (groups of) inscriptions originating from the Musi and Batang Hari rivers basins, in the provinces of South Sumatra, Jambi and West Sumatra. Some items offer additional information (especially readings and translations) for entries in the catalogue, but most of them present inscriptions which were not included in the catalogue at all. Looking at new data from just three Sumatran provinces, it turns out that quite a lot of new epigraphic material still needs to be revealed to scholars. The new material throws light on the religious (especially Buddhist) history of the island, including its reflection in stone and bronze sculpture. It also comprises significant new data on the Old Malay language.