Inscriptions mean epigraphs, the engraved writings and its study means Epigraphy. It is the science of identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers. Specifically excluded from epigraphy are the historical significance of the epigraph as a document and the artistic value of a literary composition. Obviously the task of study of inscriptions in Kashmir has already been taken up at the individual level and numbers of inscriptions of Sharda characters have already been documented. There is a sufficient documentation of number of Sharda inscriptions done in the book, 'The corps of Sharda Inscription in Kashmir' by Dr B K Kaul Deambi. Most of Sharda inscriptions found in Jammu and Kashmir State have already been deciphered and documented in this book.
But unfortunately the inscriptions found in Arabic and Persian alphabet are not only poorly maintained but still unidentified and undocumented. This is our written history which either has been embossed or engraved on the tomb stones, terracotta tiles, walls, doors and ancient coins. There are very few inscriptions which have found their place in the states museums while rest are quite unpreserved on the shrine walls, doors, temples and in the historical mazaars of Kashmir.
The stone inscriptions found in several old mazaars are highly dilapidated and there is no one who could take care of these inscriptions. This is our written history which needs to be preserved and documented for the generations to come. |
