Question
Who among the following was the first to decipher the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts used in the inscriptions of Ashoka
The correct answer is
James Princep
The question asks about the individual who first deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts that were used in Ashoka's inscriptions. Let's evaluate the given options:
- Alexander Cunningham: He was a British army engineer known for his archaeological work in India but did not decipher the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
- James Princep: He was a British scholar, best known for deciphering the Brahmi script in 1837, which allowed for the understanding of Ashokan inscriptions and the history of the Mauryan Empire. This script was used for the edicts of Emperor Ashoka.
- John Marshall: He was an archaeologist who served as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India but is not known for deciphering ancient scripts.
- R.D. Banerji: He was an Indian archaeologist and served in the Archaeological Survey of India, credited with establishing the ancient nature of the Indus Valley Civilization but not the decipherment of Brahmi or Kharosthi scripts.
Based on the evaluations above, James Princep is the correct answer, as he was the first to decipher both the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. This work significantly contributed to understanding Indian history, specifically regarding the Mauryan period and the rule of Emperor Ashoka.
Conclusion: The correct answer is James Princep.
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