Abstract
AN interesting inscription in a rock-shelter in the Sambalpur District, Bihar and Orissa, is the subject of a note, accompanied by a series of illustrations, by Mr. K. P. Jayaswal in the Indian Antiquary for March. It appears to be in a script representing a transition from that of Mohenjo-daro to the Brahmi, and is dated tentatively at about 1500 B.C. The inscription occupies a space of 35 ft. × 7 ft. The letters, partly painted, partly incised, would appear all to have been painted before being cut. There is no sign of the use of an iron tool. The inscription is unquestionably writing, and Mr. Jayaswal is of the opinion that the hand responsible for the inscription was accustomed to the use of the pen. The writing appears to have reached the syllabary (alphabetical) stage. The script resembles Brahmi more closely than any other, but a number of resemblances to Mohenjo-daro are noted. Notwithstanding the Brahmi cast of the inscription, it does not follow that the language is Aryan, and in view of the locality in which it has been found, it may be a pre-Dravidian Biaksasa record, Raksasa being used as a generic term for the peoples dispossessed by the Aryans, now possibly represented by the Gonds.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
