Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Photo expo of inscriptions from tomorrow

TIRUCHI: The Epigraphy branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mysore, would host a five-day photo exhibition on inscriptions here from January 3.

The exhibition, organised as part of the cultural awareness programme of the Union Government, would showcase the rich mosaic of Indian culture as reflected through various inscriptions, which give valuable insights on political, social, cultural and religious history.

It would also trace the evolution of various scripts, which have been used for engraving the inscriptions.

The exhibition would seek to sensitise the people and students on glorious history of the country made known through epigraphs.

While the country has a treasure house of epigraphs, interest in the study of epigraphy has been on the decline in recent years.

A large number of inscriptions have come to light through the efforts of both Indian and foreign scholars. For instance, it was mainly through the efforts of James Princep, known as father of Indian epigraphy, that the mysteries of the Brahmi script were unravelled.

Tamil Nadu has produced several eminent epigraphists such as Venkayya, K.V. Subramanya Aiyar, A.S. Ramanathan Aiyar and K.G. Krishnan. It was K.V.S. Aiyar who made a breakthrough in identifying the language of archaic inscriptions engraved in the caves of southern districts, an ASI press release said.

The exhibition would seek to revive interest in the study of epigraphy among students and the general public and make them conscious of their responsibility in protecting and preserving the great epigraphic heritage of the country.

The exhibition would be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all five days at the Community Centre of the St. Joseph’s College.

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