Que. Art and culture are reflected to a far greater extent than political history in the epigraphic sources. Comment. 

प्रश्न: पुरालेखीय स्रोतों में राजनीतिक इतिहास की अपेक्षा कला और संस्कृति कहीं अधिक सीमा तक प्रतिबिम्बित हैं। टिप्पणी कीजिए।

Introduction:

The golden era of Indian epigraphical research commenced only in 1837 A.D. with the decipherment of the Brahmi Script by James Prinsep. The word epigraphy is derived from two Greek words viz., ‘epi’ which means ‘on or upon’ and ‘graphie’ meaning ‘to write’. Based on this, Epigraphy may be defined as any descriptive and analytical study of the epigraphs. The word ‘Inscription’ is also most commonly used as a synonymous with epigraph. According to Dr. D.C. Sircar, “Inscription literally means only writing engraved on some object.

Here’s how art and culture are reflected in epigraphic sources in India:

(i) Temple Inscriptions: Temple inscriptions often provide detailed accounts of temple construction, including the names of builders, artisans, and donors. They also describe the architectural features and decorative elements of the temple.

Example: Inscriptions at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, provide information about the temple’s architecture and the Chola dynasty’s patronage of the arts.

(ii) Donative Inscriptions: Donative inscriptions record the gifts, endowments, and grants made by individuals, rulers, or guilds to religious institutions, artists, or scholars. These inscriptions highlight cultural patronage and support for the arts.

Example: The Hathigumpha Inscription in Udayagiri, Odisha, narrates King Kharavela’s patronage of Jainism and his support for artistic endeavors.

(iii) Artistic Descriptions: Epigraphic sources often include descriptions of artistic elements, such as sculptures, paintings, and iconography. These descriptions provide insights into the artistic styles and themes prevalent during a particular period.

Example: Inscriptions found at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra describe the religious narratives depicted in the cave paintings and sculptures.

(iv) Cultural Festivals and Rituals: Some inscriptions mention cultural festivals, rituals, and religious practices. These references offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious life of the society.

Example: Inscriptions at the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha provide information about the Sun Festival (Konark Dance Festival) held there.

(v) Literary and Scholarly Pursuits: Epigraphic sources occasionally reference literary works, scholars, and their contributions to literature and culture. These inscriptions highlight the importance of education and intellectual pursuits.

Example: Inscriptions in the ancient university town of Nalanda in Bihar mention scholars, students, and the subjects taught at the institution.

(vi) Cultural Diversity: Epigraphic sources reflect India’s cultural diversity and the coexistence of multiple religious traditions. Inscriptions in different languages and scripts convey the linguistic and cultural mosaic of the subcontinent.

Example: The inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka, written in Brahmi script, Prakrit language, and Greek script, reveal cultural exchanges and multilingualism.

(vii) Musical and Dance Traditions: Some inscriptions reference musical and dance traditions, including the patronage of musicians and performers. These inscriptions illuminate the importance of the performing arts in Indian culture.

Example: Inscriptions in temple complexes often mention devadasis (temple dancers) and their role in religious ceremonies.

(viii) Cultural Values and Ethical Teachings: Epigraphic sources may convey cultural values, ethical teachings, and religious philosophies that were significant to the society at the time.

Example: The rock edicts of Ashoka emphasize moral and ethical principles, reflecting cultural values of compassion and righteousness.

Here’s how political history is reflected in epigraphic sources in India:

(i) Dynastic Records: Epigraphic sources often contain genealogies and lineage records of ruling dynasties. These inscriptions trace the succession of rulers and establish their legitimacy.

Example: The inscriptions at the Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka provide genealogical details of the Chalukya dynasty, including the names of rulers and their reigns.

(ii) Royal Inscriptions: Rulers frequently commissioned inscriptions to commemorate their reigns, achievements, and military conquests. These royal inscriptions often highlight the monarch’s titles, victories, and territorial expansions.

Example: The rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka describe his conquests and the administrative measures taken during his rule.

(iii) Administrative Records: Inscriptions may contain details of administrative practices, including taxation, land grants, and the appointment of officials. These records shed light on the bureaucratic structure and governance of ancient states.

Example: Land grant inscriptions in the Chola period provide information about land ownership, revenue collection, and administrative divisions.

(iv) Boundary Markers: Boundary inscriptions, such as inscribed pillars or markers, delineate territorial boundaries and political claims. They can indicate the extent of a ruler’s domain. 

Example: The Delhi Iron Pillar inscription from the Gupta period mentions the conquests and victories of King Chandra Gupta II.

(v) Treaties and Diplomacy: Epigraphic sources occasionally document treaties, alliances, and diplomatic relations between states. These inscriptions may contain agreements and diplomatic correspondence.

Example: The Hathigumpha Inscription of King Kharavela in Odisha mentions his military campaigns and alliances with neighboring states.

(vi) Decrees and Proclamations: Rulers often issued decrees and proclamations that were inscribed on stone pillars or tablets. These edicts conveyed laws, policies, and political decisions.

Example: Ashoka’s rock edicts include proclamations related to religious tolerance, welfare measures, and administrative reforms.

(vii) Changes in Rulership: Epigraphic sources sometimes record changes in rulership, such as the ascension of a new monarch or the transition of power after the death of a ruler.

Example: Inscriptions on the Allahabad Pillar describe the reigns of Samudragupta and Chandragupta II.

(viii) Military Campaigns and Conquests: Some inscriptions provide accounts of military campaigns, battles, and the subjugation of territories. They may detail the military achievements of rulers.

Example: The inscriptions at the Kailasanatha Temple in Kanchipuram describe the military victories of King Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) over rival dynasties.

Conclusion:

While epigraphic sources may contain political information, such as the names of rulers, administrative details, and territorial claims, they often do so in the context of religious or cultural achievements. This emphasis on art and culture reflects the cultural priorities of the societies that created these inscriptions. To construct a comprehensive historical narrative, historians often rely on a combination of epigraphic sources, archaeological findings, and other historical records, recognizing the importance of both political and cultural dimensions in understanding the past.