Decipherment of Ancient Scripts
James Prinsep: Deciphering Brahmi and Kharosthi
James Prinsep deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1837 and identified the name 'Piyadassi', which was the title of Emperor Ashoka.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I
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Updated:
Exam Year
2014
Evidence Source
Link ↗I. James Prinsep, an officer in the mint of the East India Company, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts which were used in the earliest inscriptions and coins.
II. James Prinsep found that most of the scripts mentioned a king referred to as Piyadassi-meaning 'pleasant to behold'.Select the correct code:
[CAPF 2014]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The decipherment of ancient scripts in 1837 provided the essential key to unlocking the lost history of the Mauryan Empire and the identity of its greatest king.
Authentic Source Evidence
James Prinsep correctly deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. He observed that many inscriptions were issued by a king named 'Piyadassi'. It was later confirmed through Buddhist texts that 'Piyadassi' was a title of the Emperor Ashoka.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"What word provided the initial breakthrough for deciphering Brahmi?"
The word 'danam' (gift/donation), which occurred at the end of hundreds of small votive inscriptions.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"Prinsep's decipherment marks the beginning of scientific history-writing for ancient India, moving it from the realm of myth to archaeology."
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