Before we discuss about the writing materials we must know about the general introduction of Indian Epigraphy.
Defined as simply the study of inscriptions is called Epigraphy. The word Epigraphy for the study of inscriptions is derived from the 2 greek words- "Epi" Means On Or Upon & "Graphy" means to write (engraving) something. Sir James Princep known as the Father of Indian Epigraphy. Because he was the first person as an English antiquarian who deciphered the so called ancient Brahmi script in India.
Sir James Princep (1799-1840)
There are various types of materials used for the engraving the stones from ancient times. But if we analyse on the basis of materials there are two dimensional ways . ...
• >Materials for Engraving/Embossing
•> Materials for Writing/Scratching
1) Scratching materials _
* Bhurjapatra
The Brich tree which grown in Himalayans were used as materials for writing in ancient times. In kumarasamvabam of Kalidasa there is a mention of Bhurjapatra as a writing material.
(Bark of the Bhurjapatra tree)
* Talapatra
Mostly there are numerous Buddhist Jatakas which gives breif account on use of talapatras as writing materia specially Jataks are most enligteened one. These Palmyra leaves (Talapatra) popular in South India.
* Wood
These are the first materials used for the beginners to learn alphabets in ancient times.
There are many references in kharosthi inscriptions written in wooden objects in Central Asia.
* Paper
Perhaps the most easier way of writing since the modern era as an object. It is believed that the Chineses first use paper as writing material and later it became spread to India.
2) Materials for Engraving :-
*Stone
Stone was used in earlier times for engraving writing and also helpful for long durance. Inscriptions were often engraved on rocks,
stone pillars or slabs, stone images or their pedestals and
stone articles such as jar or their covers etc. The earliest stone engravings belong to the days of the Mouryan emperor Ashoka(C 272 - 232 B. C).
*Earthen Objects
There are numbers of Buddhist Sutras which are found on bricks for the purpose of its hardness they tried their best engraving on it. Clay seals and sealing, both burnt and
unburnt, have been discovered in various sites of north India.
*Copper & Silver
copper is largely used for writing
in ancient and medieval India. Official charters especially
grants made by kings and subordinate rulers were generally engraved on copper-plates. For example - an early inscription from Sohgoura, in Gorkhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Similarly, a few inscriptions were found to have written on
golden and silver objects. A golden plate having a votive inscription in Kharoshthi script has been discovered in the ruins of Takshilla.
So at glance if we analyses and understand the ancient writing systems and the materials which they used it is still endurance in manner. There are various valuable inscriptions which we lost but inspite of that the epigrphical sources acts as the backbone of ancient Indian history and culture which not only narrates the political and socio-economic and religious aspects but also created a landmark in the historical annals of Indian Epigragy.
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