This document provides an introduction to the study of epigraphy. It discusses how epigraphy involves the study of inscriptions and scripts. It outlines different mediums that inscriptions can be found on, such as rocks, copper plates, and sculptures. The document also describes common elements found in inscriptions, such as openings, names of kings, donation details, and curses. It explains that inscriptions were used for purposes like documenting ownership and royal orders. Finally, it lists several scripts used in inscriptions throughout South Asia and India and discusses methods for analyzing inscriptions.

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