Identify the term used for the study of ‘inscriptions’?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Epigraphy
Option (1) Palaeography — Incorrect. Palaeography is the study of styles of writing; epigraphists use it to date inscriptions that carry no date, but it is not the name for the study of inscriptions as a whole.
Option (2) Epigraphy — Correct. Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, the writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery.
Option (3) Archaeology — Incorrect. Archaeology studies the past through the material remains found at sites – buildings, pottery, tools, seals, bones – as with the excavation of the Harappan cities; inscriptions are only one part of its evidence.
Option (4) Calligraphy — Incorrect. Calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting; calligraphers were professionals who wrote, they did not study inscriptions.
NCERT (2026-27): “1. Prinsep and Piyadassi Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions. Inscriptions Inscriptions are writings engraved on hard surfaces such as stone, metal or pottery. They usually record the achievements, activities or ideas of those who commissioned them and include the exploits of kings, or donations made by women and men to religious institutions. Inscriptions are virtually permanent records, some of which carry dates. Others are dated on the basis of palaeography or styles of writing, with a fair amount of precision.…” |