Dr.V.Selvakumar of Tanjore University

1. Introduction to Epigraphy
V.Selvakumar
Department of Epigraphy and Archaeology
Tamil University
Thanjavur
selvakumarodi@gmail.com

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