A stone stele found during road construction in rural Rajasthan has been identified as a 12th-century royal edict from the reign of the Lata-Chalukya dynasty. The inscription is unique because it details state-mandated architectural protocols for earthquake resistance, including specific requirements for base foundations and interlocking stone joints.
Epigraphists believe this is the world's first recorded building code for seismic safety. The text provides a fascinating glimpse into how medieval Sanatan kingdoms used their advanced understanding of Vastu Shastra to address environmental challenges and protect urban populations from natural disasters.