Back to Basics How Are Inscriptions Deciphered?| Class 12 History Notes

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 2: CBSE Class 12 History Notes are essential for students studying Social Science, as History is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in History is just as important as other subjects.

By going through these notes, students can strengthen their understanding of the chapter’s concepts and learn more about Inscriptions. These notes help students learn about understanding old writings without feeling confused. It makes it simple for students to know about the history behind old writings.

Many of today’s Indian scripts originate from Brahmi, the script found in most of Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions. Starting from the late 1700s, European scholars, along with Indian experts, studied Bengali and Devanagari manuscripts. They compared the letters in these scripts with older ones to understand their evolution.

Initially, scholars assumed early inscriptions were in Sanskrit, but they were actually in Prakrit. It took many years of careful study by numerous epigraphists before James Prinsep successfully decoded Asokan Brahmi in 1838.

The decipherment of Kharosthi, the script used in inscriptions in the northwest, has a different tale. Coins from the time of the Indo-Greek kings (around the second-first centuries BCE) played a crucial role. These coins had the names of kings written in both Greek and Kharosthi scripts.

European scholars, familiar with Greek, compared the letters between the two scripts. They noticed similarities, like the symbol for “a,” used in names such as Apollodotus. With Prinsep confirming that the language of Kharosthi inscriptions was Prakrit, it became possible to decode longer inscriptions as well.

To understand how epigraphists and historians operate, let’s closely examine two Asokan inscriptions. Interestingly, the name “Asoka” doesn’t appear in the inscriptions. Instead, titles like “devanampiya” (beloved of the gods) and “piyadassi” (pleasant to behold) are used, which are associated with the ruler. Through careful analysis of multiple inscriptions with similar content, style, language, and handwriting, epigraphists concluded they were issued by the same ruler.

In these inscriptions, Asoka claims earlier rulers lacked systems for receiving reports. Considering the political history before Asoka, historians must evaluate such claims for accuracy or exaggeration. Epigraphists sometimes add words in brackets to clarify sentences without altering the author’s intended meaning, a task requiring precision.

Moreover, if a king’s orders were inscribed on rocks near cities or important routes, would illiterate passersby have stopped to read? Would people across the subcontinent comprehend the Prakrit used in Pataliputra, and would they obey the king’s commands? These questions pose challenges for historians.

Examining another Asokan inscription, often interpreted to reflect the ruler’s anguish and a shift in his approach to warfare, reveals complexities beyond surface reading. While Asokan inscriptions are found in present-day Orissa, the one depicting anguish is missing, raising questions about its absence in the conquered region. Could it suggest the ruler’s inability to address the recent conquest’s pain in that area?

What is the process of deciphering ancient inscriptions?

Deciphering inscriptions involves analyzing the language, script, context, and historical background to understand their meaning.

Why are inscriptions important for historians?

Inscriptions provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations, including information about rulers, dynasties, events, and cultural practices.

Who deciphers ancient inscriptions?

Epigraphists, historians, linguists, and archaeologists work together to decipher ancient inscriptions.

What challenges do experts face when deciphering inscriptions?

Challenges include deciphering unfamiliar scripts, understanding ancient languages, interpreting ambiguous or damaged inscriptions, and placing inscriptions in their historical context.

Can inscriptions reveal false information?

Yes, inscriptions may contain propaganda, exaggerations, or biases, so historians carefully evaluate their accuracy and reliability.

How do experts ensure the accuracy of deciphered inscriptions?

Experts use multiple sources of evidence, compare inscriptions with other historical records, and apply rigorous analytical methods to ensure accuracy.

Are there any famous examples of successfully deciphered inscriptions?

Yes, famous examples include the Rosetta Stone, which helped decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Asokan inscriptions, which provided insights into ancient Indian history.

What role do modern technologies play in deciphering inscriptions?

Modern technologies such as digital imaging, spectroscopy, and computer-assisted analysis aid in deciphering and preserving inscriptions.