Introduction to Epigraphy

V.SelvakumarDepartment of Epigraphy and Archaeology

Tamil UniversityThanjavur

selvakumarodi@gmail.com

Epigraphy

• Epigraphy –Study of Inscriptions and scripts• “Epi” outer layer• Palaeography –Study of the development of

Scripts

Inscription/Medium

• Text, symbols engraved on rock surfaces• Copper Plates • Palm leafs • Coins• Sculptures • Bronze Images• Paintings

Structure of the inscriptions

• Opening “Swathi Sri”• Meykirthi –Prasasthi • Name of the king• Regnal Year• Content – Order• Land details boundary• Signature• Curse for those disturbed the d onation

Mey Kirthi

• Thirumakal Polap perunilachchelviyum ....• Kanthalur salai Kalamarutharuli – Rajaraja I

Purpose of Inscription

• Label describing Ownership• Royal Orders• Donation to temples• Sale deeds and agreements• Punishments • Heroic deeds

Types of Scripts

• Asokan Brahmi – Tamil Brahmi –Singhalese Brahmi - Kharoshti

• Vattezhuttu • Tamil Ezhuttu• Kolezhuttu – Kerala• Granta – for Sanskrit • Nagari – Devanagari –Sanskrit –Hindi

Methods of analysis

• Chronology• Development of script • Palaeography• Analysis of Content• Linguistic • Text analysis

Thank you