RAS question
The Shilalekh (stone inscription) at Achalgarh mentions which deity?
Correct answer: (D) Lord Shiva (as Achaleshwar Mahadev).
The Achalgarh stone inscription mentions Lord Shiva as Achaleshwar Mahadev, named in the record as Achalesvara and invoked as Sambhu.
Explanation
The Achalgarh inscription identifies Shiva rather than a deity of the Vaishnava, Brahma, or Lakshmi traditions. Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 39 describes the record as a black stone slab in the hall of the Achalesvara Mahadeva temple at Achalgarh. It begins with an obeisance to Achalesvara-deva and then invokes Sambhu, another name for Shiva. Rajasthan Tourism describes the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple, outside Achalgarh Fort near Mount Abu, as dedicated to Shiva. It also associates the fort first with the Paramaras and states that Rana Kumbha rebuilt it in 1452 CE and named it Achalgarh. Thus, the names Achalesvara and Sambhu identify the deity as Lord Shiva.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Lord Brahma is not named as the deity in the Achalgarh inscription. The record begins with an obeisance to Achalesvara-deva and invokes Sambhu, both pointing to Shiva.
- (B) Goddess Lakshmi is not the deity mentioned in the Achalgarh inscription; the inscriptional reference is to Achalesvara Mahadeva.
- (C) Lord Vishnu is not the correct answer because the names Achalesvara and Sambhu in the inscription point to Shiva as Achaleshwar Mahadev.
Concept
This question tests the identification of deities from Rajasthan's temple inscriptions, especially through local sacred names such as Achaleshwar Mahadev. Such questions recur in RAS because forts, temples, and inscriptions together illuminate Rajasthan's medieval polity, art and culture, religious life, and local traditions.