Inscriptions are the writings on the surfaces of stones, metals and pots. They were probably official documents issued by kings or rulers.
Even private individuals used Inscriptions for different purposes.
1. Inscriptions are found in different languages on pillars, walls of houses, copper plates and stones.
2. They record the achievements, activities and ideas of those who get the inscriptions written. The victories of kings, the gifts people gave to religious institutions etc. can be seen in these inscriptions.
3. Inscriptions are permanent records. In some, there are dates. In others, the date or the period is found through archaeological dating methods or through the style of writing.
4. The early inscriptions were in Prakrit, the language used by the common people. Inscriptions were also written in Pali, Tamil and Sanskrit. Scholars have tried to read and understand the meaning of the inscriptions.
