Kharosthi Script - Art and Culture Notes
The Kharosthi script (3rd Century BC – 3rd Century AD) is an ancient script used to write Gandhari Prakrit and Sanskrit in ancient Gandhara (present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan). It is a sister script to Brahmi and was deciphered by James Princep. Since early times Kharosthi has been one of the major scripts of the Indian sub-continent. It comes second in popularity to Brahmi script. In this article, we will study the different aspects of the Kharosthi script which is important for the UPSC examination.
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Origin of Kharosthi Script
Different theories are put forward regarding the origin of the Kharosthi script some of which are discussed below:
- The earliest evidence has been found from major rock edicts of Ashoka.
- Between the first century BCE to the third century CE it was in use by Kushanas.
- It was put forward by Buhler. Kharosthi script was related to the parts of the Indian subcontinent that were ruled by Persians.
- Kharosthi script has various alterations done from Aramic prototypes.
- It is also believed by B.N. Mukherjee said that this script was created by the Achaemenids during the 5th – 4th century BC.
- It was originally adapted for the local language of common people but was later adapted by foreign conquerors to connect with the local population.
Kharosthi Script
| Other Relevant Links | |
|---|---|
| Brahmi Script | Devanagari Script |
| Urdu Script | Gupta Script |
Discovery of Kharosthi Script
- In Lalitavistara, a 3rd century BCE text written in Kharosthi, it is mentioned as second to Brahmi script.
- It was first encountered in edicts of Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
- It was first discovered on coins of the 19th century from the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
- Kanishka inscriptions from 1830 to 1834 were found at Manikiyala in Pakistan with Kharosthi script.
- It was called Bactrian Pahlavi by James Prinsep as it was found on various Bactrian coins.
- James Princep deciphered 11 out of the 12 letters of Kharosthi script, rest were done by C. Lassen, A. Cunningham, etc.
Inscriptions in Kharosthi
Distribution of Kharosthi Script
- This script was used in various parts of the Gandhara Kingdom such as Indus, Swat, and Kabul river valleys.
- Kharosthi scripts have also been discovered from Qunduz in north Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.
- These have also been discovered from Kumrahar (Patna) and Bharhut (a famous stupa site in Madhya Pradesh).
- The Minor Rock Edicts I and II of Asoka in Karnataka, the name of the scribe Chapada is mentioned in Kharosthi.
- It also found its use in Central Asia such as in the Shan-shan kingdom on the Tarim Basin.
- Due to patronage by Kushana rulers it was also found in areas outside Gandhara.
Characteristic Features of Kharosthi Script
- It is a middle Indo-Aryan dialect.
- It is written from right to left.
- It includes numbers similar to Roman numerals.
- It mostly consists of the use of Indian, Greek, and Iranian words.
- It consists of only one basic form of the vowel.
- In this script medial vowels are also expressed.
- Its original letters were based on Arabic and the remaining have evolved with the addition of diacritic marks.
- It is cursive.
- It is a top-oriented script as each letter has a character on its upper part.
Conclusion
Kharosthi script was used in the Indian subcontinent by rulers to establish a connection with the local population, for use on religious relics, etc. It was initially confined to the Gandhara region. But with the spread and movement of people, it reached Central Asia, some parts of northern India, and even South East Asia. Thus in the last decade of the nineteenth century ‘Arian Pali’ was identified as ‘Kharosthi’ scripts.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Kharosthi script?
Answer: The Kharosthi script is an ancient writing system that was used primarily in the northwestern regions of India and parts of what is now Pakistan, notably during the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE. It is one of the earliest scripts used to write the Indo-Aryan languages.
Q2: What was the primary purpose of the Kharosthi script?
Answer: The primary purpose of the Kharosthi script was to record Buddhist texts and documents. It was used extensively in inscriptions and manuscripts, serving as a crucial tool for the dissemination of Buddhist teachings.
Q3: How does Kharosthi differ from other ancient scripts?
Answer: Kharosthi differs from other ancient scripts, such as Brahmi, in its visual representation and phonetic structure. It is written from right to left, whereas Brahmi is written from left to right. The characters in Kharosthi are also distinct in their design and formation.
Q4: What is the historical significance of Kharosthi?
Answer: The Kharosthi script is historically significant as it provides insights into the linguistic and cultural developments of ancient India. It reflects the interaction between different civilizations, particularly through its use in trade and the spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road.
Q5: Where have Kharosthi inscriptions been found?
Answer: Kharosthi inscriptions have been discovered in various archaeological sites, particularly in the regions of Gandhara and parts of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Notable sites include the ruins of ancient Taxila and various stupas.
MCQs
- In which direction is the Kharosthi script written?
(a) Left to right
(b) Right to left
(c) Top to bottom
(d) Diagonally
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
- What was the primary use of the Kharosthi script?
(a) Writing poetry
(b) Recording Buddhist texts
(c) Administrative purposes
(d) Personal letters
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
- Which of the following scripts is Kharosthi often compared to?
(a) Latin
(b) Brahmi
(c) Greek
(d) Arabic
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
- What is one of the notable regions where Kharosthi was predominantly used?
(a) South India
(b) Northeastern India
(c) North-Western India
(d) Central India
Answer: (c) See the Explanation
- Which civilization played a significant role in the spread of the Kharosthi script?
(a) Maurya
(b) Gupta
(c) Mughal
(d) Harappan
Answer: (a) See the Explanation
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Discuss the historical significance of the Kharosthi script in the context of ancient Indian culture.
Answer: The Kharosthi script holds substantial historical significance in ancient Indian culture as one of the earliest writing systems used to document the Indo-Aryan languages. It provides valuable insights into the linguistic diversity of ancient India and reflects the socio-cultural milieu of the time. The script was predominantly used in the northwestern regions, particularly in Gandhara, where it became an essential tool for recording Buddhist texts and inscriptions. This facilitated the spread of Buddhism across Asia, connecting various cultures through trade routes like the Silk Road. The use of Kharosthi in inscriptions also underscores the administrative and cultural practices of the Mauryan Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who promoted Buddhism and used Kharosthi in his edicts. Consequently, Kharosthi is not only a script but a symbol of the confluence of culture, religion, and administration in ancient India.
Q2: Analyze the impact of the Kharosthi script on the development of other scripts in the Indian subcontinent.
Answer: The Kharosthi script significantly impacted the development of other scripts in the Indian subcontinent by influencing the phonetic and structural elements of later writing systems. As one of the earliest scripts used in the region, Kharosthi's unique characteristics, such as its right-to-left writing direction and its use of distinct phonetic symbols, provided a foundation for subsequent scripts. Its close association with the spread of Buddhism facilitated cultural exchanges, leading to the adaptation and evolution of scripts like Brahmi, which became the precursor to many modern Indian scripts. The interaction between Kharosthi and local languages contributed to the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity in India, highlighting the importance of Kharosthi in the historical narrative of script development. Moreover, the Kharosthi script's eventual decline with the rise of Brahmi and other scripts marks a significant transition in the written culture of the Indian subcontinent, illustrating the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution.
Q3: Evaluate the role of the Kharosthi script in preserving ancient knowledge and cultural heritage.
Answer: The Kharosthi script played a pivotal role in preserving ancient knowledge and cultural heritage, particularly through its association with Buddhism. As the script was primarily used to record Buddhist texts, it became a vital medium for transmitting religious teachings and philosophical concepts across generations. The inscriptions found in archaeological sites, such as those at Taxila and other locations in Gandhara, provide invaluable insights into the socio-political landscape of the time, illustrating the cultural interactions and exchanges that occurred along trade routes. Additionally, Kharosthi inscriptions document various aspects of life, including governance, commerce, and societal values, enriching our understanding of ancient Indian civilization. The script's eventual adaptation and influence on other writing systems signify its importance in the broader context of linguistic and cultural evolution in the Indian subcontinent. As such, Kharosthi not only contributed to the preservation of specific texts but also served as a bridge connecting ancient knowledge with contemporary cultural heritage.
Previous Year Questions on Kharosthi Script
1. UPSC CSE 2021
Question: Analyze the significance of ancient scripts in understanding the cultural history of India.
Answer: Ancient scripts, such as Kharosthi and Brahmi, are crucial for understanding the cultural history of India as they provide insights into the linguistic diversity, societal structures, and religious beliefs of the time. These scripts serve as primary sources for historians, illuminating the interactions between different civilizations and the evolution of languages. For instance, Kharosthi, used primarily in the northwestern regions, played a significant role in documenting Buddhist teachings, thus influencing the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia. Inscriptions in these scripts often contain references to social norms, trade practices, and governance, which are essential for reconstructing the historical narrative. Furthermore, the study of ancient scripts allows scholars to trace the development of modern languages and scripts, reflecting the dynamic cultural exchanges that have shaped India’s rich heritage. Consequently, ancient scripts are indispensable tools for deciphering the complexities of India’s cultural history and understanding its lasting impact on contemporary society.
2. UPSC CSE 2019
Question: Examine the contributions of various scripts to the cultural and linguistic development in ancient India.
Answer: Various scripts, including Kharosthi, Brahmi, and Tamil Brahmi, have made significant contributions to the cultural and linguistic development in ancient India. Kharosthi, as one of the earliest scripts, was instrumental in documenting Buddhist texts, thereby facilitating the spread of Buddhist philosophy and culture across the region and beyond. This script not only preserved religious teachings but also enriched the linguistic landscape by influencing the development of subsequent scripts and languages. Brahmi, another ancient script, is recognized as the ancestor of many modern Indian scripts, serving as a crucial link in the evolution of written language in India. The adaptability of these scripts to various regional languages exemplifies their role in promoting literacy and cultural exchange. Furthermore, inscriptions in these scripts provide insights into the socio-political dynamics, trade relations, and cultural practices of ancient Indian societies. The contributions of these scripts highlight their importance in shaping the linguistic heritage of India and fostering a rich cultural identity that continues to evolve.
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