What is Epigraphy?
VerifiedAnswer: Study of Ancient Inscriptions
Explanation:
Epigraphy is the fascinating study of ancient inscriptions found carved or written on durable materials like stone, metal, clay, or wood. This field of study helps historians and archaeologists unlock the secrets of past civilizations by examining these permanent records that have survived through centuries.
Ancient people used inscriptions for various purposes - from recording important events and royal decrees to marking graves and celebrating achievements. These inscriptions serve as primary sources that provide direct insight into how people lived, what they believed, and how their societies functioned thousands of years ago.
Epigraphists (scholars who study inscriptions) carefully examine these ancient writings to understand their meaning, date them accurately, and place them in their proper historical context. They study everything from simple boundary markers to elaborate temple inscriptions, each piece adding valuable information to our understanding of ancient cultures.
In India, epigraphy has been particularly important for understanding our rich history. Famous examples include Emperor Ashoka's edicts carved on rocks and pillars, which tell us about his policies and Buddhist philosophy. Similarly, inscriptions from South Indian temples provide detailed information about medieval society, economy, and religious practices.
The process of studying inscriptions involves several steps: first, the inscription must be located and photographed; then it's carefully copied or rubbed to capture every detail; next, scholars work to decipher the script and language; finally, they interpret the content and determine its historical significance.
What makes epigraphy so valuable is that inscriptions are contemporary records - they were created during the time period they describe, making them more reliable than texts that might have been copied and recopied over centuries. They provide authentic voices from the past, helping us build accurate pictures of ancient civilizations and their contributions to human history.
