π Topic 04 of 5 Β· Chapter 01 Β· Sources of Ancient History
Epigraphy & Numismatics
Inscriptions and coins as historical evidence β Ashokan edicts, Allahabad Pillar, Aihole inscription, punch-marked coins, Gupta gold coins.
π Epigraphy β Study of Inscriptions
Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions engraved on stone, metal, clay, or other durable materials. Inscriptions are considered the most reliable ancient sources because they were written at the time of the events and were not subject to later copying errors.
ποΈ Major Inscriptions of Ancient India
| Inscription | Ruler/Period | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ashokan Edicts (14 Major Rock Edicts, 7 Pillar Edicts) | Ashoka (3rd century BCE) | Dhamma policy, Kalinga War, welfare measures, religious tolerance |
| Allahabad Pillar Inscription | Samudragupta (4th century CE) by Harishena | Samudragupta’s military campaigns, “Napoleon of India” title |
| Aihole Inscription | Pulakesi II (7th century CE) by Ravikirti | Pulakesi II’s defeat of Harshavardhana, Chalukya achievements |
| Junagarh Inscription | Rudradaman I (2nd century CE) | First long inscription in Sanskrit; Sudarshana Lake repair |
| Hathigumpha Inscription | Kharavela of Kalinga (1st century BCE) | Kharavela’s military campaigns, Jain religion |
| Nasik Inscription | Gautamiputra Satakarni (Satavahana) | Satavahana achievements, defeat of Shakas |
| Mandasor Inscription | Kumaragupta I / Skandagupta | Gupta period; silk weavers’ guild |
β Ashokan Edicts β Key Facts:
β’ Written in Brahmi script (most), Kharosthi (northwest), Greek and Aramaic (Afghanistan)
β’ 14 Major Rock Edicts β found at Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra, Girnar, Dhauli, Jaugada, Kalsi, Sopara, Yerragudi
β’ 7 Pillar Edicts β found at Delhi-Topra, Delhi-Meerut, Allahabad, Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Rampurwa
β’ Deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837
β’ Written in Brahmi script (most), Kharosthi (northwest), Greek and Aramaic (Afghanistan)
β’ 14 Major Rock Edicts β found at Shahbazgarhi, Mansehra, Girnar, Dhauli, Jaugada, Kalsi, Sopara, Yerragudi
β’ 7 Pillar Edicts β found at Delhi-Topra, Delhi-Meerut, Allahabad, Lauriya-Araraj, Lauriya-Nandangarh, Rampurwa
β’ Deciphered by James Prinsep in 1837
πͺ Numismatics β Study of Coins
Numismatics is the study of coins and currency. Coins are invaluable historical sources because they reveal rulers’ names, titles, dates, religion, economic conditions, and artistic styles.
π Types of Ancient Indian Coins
| Coin Type | Period | Material | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punch-marked coins | 600β200 BCE | Silver, copper | Earliest Indian coins; Mahajanapada period; evidence of trade economy |
| Indo-Greek coins | 200β100 BCE | Silver, copper | Bilingual (Greek + Brahmi); portraits of kings; evidence of Hellenistic influence |
| Kushana coins | 1stβ3rd century CE | Gold, copper | Show Greek, Iranian, Indian gods; evidence of religious syncretism; Kanishka’s coins |
| Gupta gold coins | 4thβ6th century CE | Gold (Dinaras) | Highest quality ancient Indian coins; show rulers’ activities (hunting, playing veena) |
| Satavahana coins | 1st century BCEβ3rd CE | Lead, copper | Evidence of Satavahana rulers, trade with Rome |
π Exam Tip β Coins and What They Reveal:
β’ Indo-Greek coins β First coins with rulers’ portraits in India
β’ Kushana coins β Show Kanishka as a devotee of both Greek and Indian gods
β’ Gupta gold coins β Show Samudragupta playing veena (evidence of his musical talent)
β’ Punch-marked coins β Evidence of trade economy in Mahajanapada period
β’ Coins of Wima Kadphises (Kushana) β First Indian coins with image of Shiva
β’ Indo-Greek coins β First coins with rulers’ portraits in India
β’ Kushana coins β Show Kanishka as a devotee of both Greek and Indian gods
β’ Gupta gold coins β Show Samudragupta playing veena (evidence of his musical talent)
β’ Punch-marked coins β Evidence of trade economy in Mahajanapada period
β’ Coins of Wima Kadphises (Kushana) β First Indian coins with image of Shiva
π Key Scripts of Ancient India
| Script | Direction | Used By | Deciphered By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brahmi | Left to right | Ashoka (most edicts), Gupta period | James Prinsep (1837) |
| Kharosthi | Right to left | Ashoka (northwest edicts), Indo-Greeks | James Prinsep & Norris (1838) |
| IVC Script | Right to left (boustrophedon) | Harappan civilisation | Still undeciphered |