What is the significance of inscriptions as a source of ancient Indian history?

Amongst these, inscriptions form an important component, especially when we study ancient and early medieval period. Inscriptions are considered most reliable source of ancient history as they are generally devoid of myths and narrate the facts.

How are inscriptions important as a source of history?

Inscriptions are the writings on stone, metal or some materials as an important historical source. These are valuable historical evidence of the existence and activities of early kings and empires. They also provide detailed religious practises.

What are the inscriptions of ancient India?

Important Inscriptions of Ancient India

• Junagarh Rock inscription.
• Mahrauli Inscription / Garuda Pillar.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti)
• Nasik Inscription.
• Nanaghat Inscription.
• Mandsaur Inscription.

What is an inscription in history?

Inscriptions are written records engraved on the stones, pillars or walls of caves. The earliest deciphered epigraphic inscriptions of significant length are the Edicts of Ashoka of the 3rd century BCE, written in forms of Prakrit in the Brahmi script.

How did India get its name?

The name ‘India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu. The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name ‘Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.

When was first coin made in India?

6th century BCE
The first PMC coins in India may have been minted around the 6th century BCE by the Mahajanapadas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, The coins of this period were punch-marked coins called Puranas, old Karshapanas or Pana.

Who is the father of inscriptions?

Samudra Gupta
Samudra Gupta is known as father of Inscriptions.

How do inscriptions help in reconstructing history?

Inscriptions are the engravings on solid objects such as metal and stone tablets, rocks, pillars etc. Such inscriptions provide historians and historiographers with invaluable data about rulers, the extent of their empires, major events, political conditions, religious and cultural practices etc.

Who is father of Indian inscriptions?

Who is the father of Indian epigraphy?

Which is the oldest inscription?

The oldest known inscription in the Kannada language, referred to as the Halmidi inscription for the tiny village of Halmidi near where it was found, consists of sixteen lines carved on a sandstone pillar and dates to 450 CE.

Why are inscriptions important in ancient Indian history?

Inscriptions are regarded as an important source in understanding the ancient Indian history. The inscriptions have helped the most in identifying the ancient Indian history. They have provided names of kings, given the dates and have also recorded the important events.

What kind of epigraphy was used in ancient India?

Since 1886 there have been systematic attempts to collect and catalogue these inscriptions, along with the translation and publication of documents. Inscriptions may be in the Brahmi or Tamil-Brahmi script. Royal inscriptions were also engraved on copper-plates as were the Indian copper plate inscriptions.

Where are the inscriptions found in the world?

From the earliest times inscriptions, usually of a dedicatory character, were commonly engraved on the walls , facades, columns, pillars , pilasters , railings, gates, doorways, and other parts of stone structures such as excavated stupas, caves, temples, palaces, and well.

Which is the best source of Indian history?

The inscriptions at Kaushambi are also historical in nature. Another inscription found near Allahabad gives the story of an ancient town, Kara. Some official and private inscriptions of the post-Ashokan era have also been excavated but they are not of the standard and value as those of Ashoka.