Thamizh Epigraphy
This is a comprehensive course on Thamizh Epigraphy which traces its origin back to a few hundred years BCE. The history of epigraphy in ancient civilizations and how it developed in Tamilnadu, which boasts of the largest number of stone and copper plate inscriptions in India, is a fascinating study. Knowledge in epigraphy is important in that inscriptions are essential primary sources of history. They contain information not only on political history, they also talk about trade, religion, land, taxes, social practices, waterbodies, local governance and many other such.
Objectives
– To get familiarized with a concise history of epigraphy and evolution of epigraphy from graffiti in India – focus Tamilnadu
– To learn to read and write alphabets of various scripts used in inscriptions in Tamilnadu
– To learn to read and understand inscriptions
Course Content
This course is designed as an intense educational experience which introduces the history and evolution of epigraphy from graffiti and includes basic and preliminary elements of epigraphy in Tamilnadu. Alphabets of the 4 scripts used in Tamilnadu inscriptions are taught. Apart from teaching the scripts – Thamizh Brahmi, Asokan Brahmi, Grantham and Vattezhuththu – the course will be interspersed with form and content of various inscriptions – Pandya, Chola, Pallava – and how to identify them and read them. Samples of all inscriptions will be displayed on screen to make the understanding unequivocal. Thamizh numbers and the different eras used in dating the inscriptions will be additionally taught.
Course Schedule
The pilot course – May 1 to May 26, 2023 with 67 students.
A course completion certificate will be issued to those who completed the course.
Our Teacher
Dr V Vedachalam is a renowned Epigraphist with vast experience and expertise who has discovered innumerable inscriptions in Tamilnadu including some very early copper plates.
His interpretations of inscriptions have been pioneering efforts accepted by scholars. It is a great opportunity for us to learn from him.
Let us put in our maximum efforts, since the duration of the course is only one month, and learn from him. Sir is ever willing to impart knowledge, if we show adequate interest.
