Aditi VarshneyAIR 57 · CSE 2022 · 220 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Epigraphy refers to the study of inscriptions on walls, coins, stones, pillars etc. It is a rich source of understanding of India's culture.
Epigraphic sources :-
Body · points
Bhimbetka caves - engravings (petroglyphs) are representative of Rich Stone Age culture of India.
Seals of Indus valley civilization - records our artistic legacy & civilizational heritage.
Inscriptions of Ashoka on pillars, stones reflect the rich Buddhist culture, policies of Ashoka, and the lives of that period.
Post mauryan era - prashastis - eg Hathigumpha cave, Junagadh prashasti, Naneghat inscriptions helps in understanding the historicity of different dynasties, their religion, culture, technological developments etc.
Gupta period - Prayag Prashasti - helps in understanding the nature of rulers, their beliefs.
Inscriptions like on Eran Varaha statue explain the Huna trouble and the course of wars.
In the Chalukyan era - the Meghuti Jain inscription by Ravikirti gives us a glimpse of that period - war between Harsha & Pulkeshin II.
Copper plate charters, tamrashasanas etc that helps us understand the feudal nature of post Gupta period.
Sanchi inscriptions - also talk about the 'Panchmandali' helping us understand the rich Panchayati raj tradition in ancient India.
Close · a summary
Thus, Epigraphic sources helps tremendously in understanding & reconstructing history of India - and best reflects our rich Art & culture.
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