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Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions on rocks,
pillars, temple walls, copper plates and other writing
material.
It is one of the most fascinating and instructive studies. It
deals with the art of writing, which distinguishes man from animals and
provides us with an instrument for conservation and transmission of
historical traditions from generation to generation. Inscriptions
are the main source for reconstructing the history and culture of
ancient civilizations. It serves as primary documentary evidence
to establish legal, socio-cultural, literary, archaeological, and
historical antiquity on the basis of engravings.
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Tamil Brahmi Script
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Recent Survey on Indian Epigraphy (1996) places inscriptions of Tamil Nadu at the top of the list. The categories of
language, alphabet and number of inscriptions on both stone and
copper plates also indicate Tamil Nadu as the first among Indian States. From this survey it can easily be understood that Tamil Nadu has the bulk of inscriptions found in India. It has been estimated with a fair degree of accuracy that the inscriptions written in Tamil occupy the first position in volume, amounting nearly to 20,000, followed by those in Kannada (10,600), Sanskrit (7,500) and Telugu (4,500).
Inscriptions in Tamil language are noticed from the third century BCE
onwards.
(Source: Journal of the Epigraphical Society of India Volume 19 :
1993)
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Development of the Tamil Brahmi Script into
Vattezhuthu and Tamil Script
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A separate epigraphy wing was started during the year 1966. The primary function of this wing is to copy inscriptions on boulders, stone pillars,
stones, temple walls and on copper plates. The inscriptions are
deciphered, edited and
published. So far, about
14,000 inscriptions are copied and their estampages (ink impression) are preserved in this wing. Some original copper plates and old palm leaf manuscripts are also under the custody of this department.
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Language and volume of Inscriptions in India
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An Institute of Epigraphy has been functioning since
1973-74. It conducts one year P.G.Diploma course in Epigraphy and
Archaeology. The number of seats is 8 per year. The students are
paid a monthly stipend of Rs.1000. The educational qualification
for admission to this course is M.A. in Tamil or History or
Sanskrit or Ancient History & Archaeology of University of
Madras or its equivalent. It has 2 papers in Theory and 2
Practical papers for examination.
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Tamil Brahmi Inscription at Tiruvadavur-Madurai
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The Department of Archaeology has been recognized as a Centre for doing research in history and archaeology leading to Ph.D by the University of Madras during the year 2003.
The Epigraphical Dictionary consisting of alphabetical words is under preparation.
The estampages of the inscriptions and Palm leaf manuscripts are well preserved at Ooty Epigraphy wing.
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Office of the Epigraphy wing - Ooty
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Office of the Epigraphy wing - Ooty
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