Indian Epigraphy

Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions, engraved on stone, metal and other durable materials, offering valuable insights into the past.
These inscriptions serve as primary historical records, shedding light on ancient scripts, languages, rulers, and societal structures.
Kanchipuram, known as the "City of Temples," has a rich epigraphic heritage, with inscriptions dating from the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods.
These inscriptions, found on temple walls and copper plates, provide valuable insights into South Indian history, temple administration, and socio-economic life.

Sri Mahaswami going through an inscription on a temple wall in 1968

Epigraphy, manuscriptology, archaeology, and paleography are interconnected disciplines that collectively reconstruct historical narratives.
While epigraphy deciphers inscriptions on durable materials, manuscriptology studies ancient texts, archaeology provides material context, and paleography analyzes script evolution across time.
Fieldwork in epigraphy offers students and researchers hands-on experience in documenting, deciphering, and analyzing inscriptions at heritage sites.
Exploring temple walls, monuments, and excavated artifacts provides valuable insights into historical scripts, regional variations, and cultural contexts.

Uttankita Vidya Aranya Trust was established by Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji to record India's ancient history and culture, especially through epigraphs, the primary source of historical records.
Indian history has been documented on stone, copper plates and coins, but many inscriptions have been lost over time. Translating surviving inscriptions into modern languages helps preserve this heritage.
India has a long history of assimilating diverse cultures since 4000 B.C., creating a unique civilization with a blend of ethnic, religious, and linguistic influences.
Under Sri Mahaswamiji’s vision, the Trust collects, organizes, and publishes epigraphic records in Naagiri Sanskrit with English translations, making India’s historical knowledge accessible to the world. 12 Volumes have so far been published.

Coming soon!

Reach out for inquiries about our manuscriptology and culture programs.

A unit of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Charitable Trust,

Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Street, Enathur, Tamil Nadu 631561

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