The inscriptions of Ashoka and Kharavela were primarily written in which of the following languages?
Prakrit
The edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka were mostly composed in Prakrit, written largely in the Brahmi script (and Kharosthi in the north-west).
Similarly, the Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela of Kalinga was also written in Prakrit using the Brahmi script.
Prakrit was the common spoken language of the people, so rulers used it to make their proclamations widely understood, whereas Sanskrit came into wider inscriptional use only in later periods.
Hence, these inscriptions were primarily written in Prakrit.
Similar Questions
- During the Indus Valley Civilisation, the presence of jewellery made from precious metals and semi-precious stones in small-town settings supports the argument that ____.
- Who has won the 'battle of Hydaspes'?
- Which river did Alexander first cross to invade India in 326 BC?
- Who wrote the 'Brihat Samhita', a collection of scientific information on diverse subjects?
- Which of the following is a type of sedimentary rock?
- Who founded the famous Vikramashila University in the 9th century?
- In which year did a team of German and Italian archaeologists begin surface explorations at Mohenjodaro?
- Who was the author of the literary work 'Ratnavali'?
- Which material was used to make beads in the Harappan civilisation?
- Mohenjo Daro is situated in:
Important Questions from Ancient History
Which Gupta emperor, renowned for his military expansion and diplomatic alliances, was the first to issue silver coinage (known as 'Rupaka') in imitation of the Western Kshatrapas, particularly after conquering their territories?
Which of the following archaeological sites is located on the bank of river Mahanadi and has temples/monuments of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism?
Polygynous family is represented by
The following are the archealogical sources of Indian history :
(a) Stone inscriptions
(b) Copper plates
(c) Leaf inscriptions
(d) Pillar inscriptions
Select the correct answer -
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:
1) It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2) During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
