James Prinsep, an English scholar and antiquary, deciphered the Brahmi script in 1837, which was used in most of the Ashokan inscriptions. This breakthrough was crucial for understanding the history and administration of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka. William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal. John Marshall oversaw the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. Alexander Cunningham is considered the father of Indian archaeology and conducted extensive surveys of historical sites, including many related to Ashoka.
Who among the following was the first to decipher the Ashokan inscriptions?
Asked in UPSC Geoscientist 2023 · Topic: Maurya Empire (Ashokan Edicts: Types, Content, and Significance)
More Ancient History of India questions
- In which Rock Edict is Asoka named in person and not by his usual title Devanampriya ?
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- Which one of the following inscriptions of Ashoka has been engraved in the Greek and the Aramaic scripts?
- Consider the following statements about Ashokan rock edicts : 1. Major Rock Edict XIII records Ashoka's remorse at the sufferings caused by his Kalinga campaign. 2. Major Rock Edict X records Ashoka's visit to Lumbini. 3. Major Rock Edict XII refers to Dhamma Mahamattas as a new category of officers instituted by Ashoka. 4. Major Rock Edict XII speaks about showing tolerance towards all sects. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
- Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Mahamatta) List-II (Function)
- Which one of the following Ashokan Minor Rock Edicts, contains the personal name of the king - Ashoka ?
- Which of the following Ashokan inscriptions indicates that he did not abolish the Capital Punishment?
- Which inscription referred to “Piyadassi” as the second name for Asoka?