Ancient Indian Epigraphy

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Among the written archaeological sources, epigraphic documents have generally been considered the most reliable as they are often contemporary to the period they talk about and, unlike textual sources, they have not been subjected to revisions and interpolations The huge corpus of epigraphic literature found from different parts of the Indian subcontinent forms a major source for understanding various aspects of early Indian society, religion, economy and culture, besides dynastic and political history Epigraphic sources have been used extensively for reading early Indian history. Indian epigraphy is a very specialised area of study in itself and also a principal medium for understanding India's past. Ancient Indian inscriptions provide information on the contemporary rulers such as Shungas, Satavahanas, Shakas, Kushanas, Guptas, and Hunas etc. Inscription is a text created by cutting letters into a solid surface, however the inscription's real content can be anything. Some inscriptions include edicts, while others are published or made public in the form of inscriptions. This book is an attempt at a connected history of Indian epigraphy setting forth in clear terms the varied trends and traditions that constitute one artistic whole. The author has traced the history of Indian epigraphy from the beginning to the mediaeval times bringing within his scope a vast field of study.

Bhaskar Chandrachud is an epigraphist and historian. He has worked as a research scientist at the Indian Council of Historical Research and as a professor at the University of Calcutta. He also serves as the visiting professor for various south asian universities. With a strong academic background, Bhaskar Chandrachud holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Indian History. His passion for epigraphy has led him to delve deep into the intricate world of inscriptions, examining their origins, language, characteristics, dating methods, and preservation techniques. He strives to decode the messages and meanings hidden within these ancient texts, shedding light on the cultural, political, and social aspects of the time periods in which they were created. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops on epigraphy. He is also an active member of several international organizations that promote the study of epigraphy.

The word epigraphy, for the study of inscriptions, is derived from two Greek words viz., epi meaning 'on or upon' and graphie meaning 'to write' Inscriptions are of different types, such as royal proclamations, donative records, land grants, prasastis (eulogistic inscriptions commissioned by rulers and written by court poets), pilgrim's records and so on, and are found in various languages and scripts. They could be written on stone, copper plate, coins made of different metals, etc.

Among the written archaeological sources, epigraphic documents have generally been considered the most reliable as they are often contemporary to the period they talk about and, unlike textual sources, they have not been subjected to revisions and interpolations. The huge corpus of epigraphic literature found from different parts of the Indian subcontinent forms a major source for understanding various aspects of early Indian society, religion, economy and culture, besides dynastic and political history. Epigraphic sources have been used extensively for reading early Indian history. Indian epigraphy is a very specialised area of study in itself and also a principal medium for understanding India's past. Ancient Indian inscriptions provide information on the contemporary rulers such as Shungas, Satavahanas, Shakas, Kushanas, Guptas, and Hunas etc. Inscription is a text created by cutting letters into a solid surface, however the inscription's real content can be anything. Some inscriptions include edicts, while others are published or made public in the form of inscriptions. The study of inscriptions is known as epigraphy, and the study of old writing employed in inscriptions and other historical documents is known as palaeography. In many regions of Asia, the ancient tradition of inscribing cave walls or stone monuments to record victories, religious rites, and other significant events was still practised. Beginning in the third century B.C.E, Indian inscriptions cut into stone or other durable materials, or etched onto metal, constitute a significant historical record. The great majority are discovered in South India, inscribed on copper plates, temple stone walls, or stone monuments. An estimated 100,000 inscriptions have already been discovered, with many of them catalogued and translated. These inscriptions confirm material from earlier sources, offer dates and places for major events, track comprehensive royal genealogy, and shed light on early Indian governmental organisation, legal codes, and religious activities.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages