2. introduction to epigraphy

Dr.V.Selvakumar of Tanjore University

1. Introduction to Epigraphy V.Selvakumar Department of Epigraphy and Archaeology Tamil University Thanjavur [email protected]

2. Epigraphy Epigraphy –Study of Inscriptions and scripts “ Epi ” outer layer Palaeography –Study of the development of Scripts

3. Inscription/Medium Text, symbols engraved on rock surfaces Copper Plates Palm leafs Coins Sculptures Bronze Images Paintings

4. 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

5. Mey Kirthi Thirumakal Polap perunilachchelviyum .... Kanthalur salai Kalamarutharuli – Rajaraja I

6. Purpose of Inscription Label describing Ownership Royal Orders Donation to temples Sale deeds and agreements Punishments Heroic deeds

7. Types of Scripts Asokan Brahmi – Tamil Brahmi –Singhalese Brahmi - Kharoshti Vattezhuttu Tamil Ezhuttu Kolezhuttu – Kerala Granta – for Sanskrit Nagari – Devanagari –Sanskrit –Hindi

8. Methods of analysis Chronology Development of script Palaeography Analysis of Content Linguistic Text analysis

9. Thank you