According to scholars, which script was used to write the earliest inscription discovered in the Indian subcontinent?

(1) Tamil
(2) Pali
(3) Sanskrit
(4) Prakrit

4

The correct answer is Option 4 - 4 (Prakrit)

Inscriptions are writings that have been carved or engraved onto hard surfaces, including stone, metal, or pottery. Typically, they serve as records of the accomplishments, activities, or ideas of the individuals or groups who commissioned them. These inscriptions often highlight the achievements of kings or document donations made by both women and men to religious institutions. As virtually permanent records, some inscriptions are dated, while others are assigned dates based on palaeography, which involves analyzing the writing styles with considerable accuracy.

The earliest inscriptions were composed in Prakrit, a language commonly used by ordinary people. In addition to Prakrit, inscriptions and texts were written in other languages such as Pali, Tamil, and Sanskrit. Although these languages were employed for writing purposes, it is worth noting that people may have spoken other languages not necessarily used for written records.

Note: The given answer is as per NTA. There appears to be mistake in framing of the question and the answer by NTA. The question talks about the script written in inscription and not language. Prakrit is a language not a script. As per NCERT "Most Asokan inscriptions were in the Prakrit language while those in the northwest of the subcontinet were in Aramaic and Greek. Most Prakrit inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script; however, some, in the northwest, were written in Kharosthi. The Aramaic and Greek scripts were used for inscriptions in Afghanistan.". So the answer should be Brahmi which is not an option in the question.