Question

What are inscriptions? State some of its importance.

Answer 1

Instructions: Explain the following points:

• Definition of inscription.
• Purpose of inscriptions.
• Preservation and use.

Solution:

• Ancient writings on hard surfaces such as stone or metal are known as inscriptions.
• Achievements of the king, orders of the king and treaties with other states were usually inscribed on stone or metal plates. Such important texts were inscribed because inscriptions are more durable and long-lasting than manuscripts.
• Inscriptions are preserved in archives such as the National Archives of Delhi where they are studied and translated and used as a source of information about the past.