Tag: sources of modern history

The study of written historical records is known as Epigraphy. Inscriptions can be seen on rocks, pillars, stones, slabs, walls, temples, coins and copper plates. Based on the written messages the Epigraphy experts divide them into various categories, like social, political and religious. Experts analyze the meaning after deciphering (reading) the script. The Asokan edicts, Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta, Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II, etc. are some major inscriptions of India.   

The Vedas, Puranas, Kautilya's Arthashastra, and other literature besides foreign accounts together with the archaeological sources like epigraphic, numismatic and architectural remains besides archaeological explorations and excavations help in restructuring Ancient Indian History.

The Taxila and the Kalawan copper-plate inscriptions (c. 1st century CE or earlier) are among the earliest known instances of copper plates being used for writing in the Indian subcontinent.

• Coins made of metal first appeared in India, during the age of Gautama Buddha. 
• The earliest were made largely of silver though a few copper coins also appeared.

Ajanta caves are the oldest monuments located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. These caves belong to second century BCE. These caves were discovered on 28 April 1819 by a British officer named John Smith. These consists of a stretch of caves. These caves have monasteries, worship and meeting halls.