[Solved] Script of Peshawar Inscriptions | Ashoka's Kharoshthi

Ashokan inscriptions in north-western part of the Mauryan Empire near Peshawar were in:

[Jharkhand P.C.S. Prelims 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ashoka used various local scripts and languages to ensure his message was accessible to different regional populations of his vast empire.

Authentic Source Evidence

The rock edicts at Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra (near Peshawar) are written in the Kharoshthi script, which was derived from Aramaic and written from right to left.

Analytical Breakdown

Kharoshthi (D): The dominant script for Northwest India (Gandhara region) during the Mauryan era.

Brahmi (A): Used for the rest of the empire (North, South, Central, East).

Aramaic/Greek (B): Used in the extreme western regions like Kandahar (Afghanistan).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the main physical difference between Brahmi and Kharoshthi?"

Brahmi is written from left to right (like modern scripts), while Kharoshthi is written from right to left.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Kharoshthi in the Northwest highlights the region's historical role as a melting pot of Indian and West Asian (Persian) cultural influences."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Gandhara Art 6