ગુજરાતની પ્રાચીન કલામાં પ્રાચ્ય લખાણ

Summary

This Gujarati article examines the development of writing and epigraphy in ancient Gujarat, tracing the evolution of scripts and the content of inscriptions from the early historical period to the medieval era. The author begins by describing the earliest archaeological evidence of writing in Gujarat, such as the Indus Valley seals found at Lothal and Dholavira, which feature undeciphered symbols. He then transitions to the post‑Mauryan period, when Brahmi script appears on rock edicts and cave inscriptions in the Saurashtra region. The article discusses how Brahmi adapted regional characteristics, leading to the Gujarati variant that would later develop into modern Gujarati script. The author analyses significant inscriptions, including the Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman I, which records the repair of a dam on Sudarshan Lake and is notable for its elegant Sanskrit prose; the copper‑plate grants of Maitraka rulers at Valabhi that document land donations to Buddhist monasteries; and Jain prashastis carved in temples at Shatrunjaya and Girnar. He also highlights the rich corpus of Chaulukya inscriptions that reveal information about temple construction, taxation, social structure and patronage of the arts. The article addresses the linguistic diversity of these inscriptions, noting that while Prakrit and Sanskrit dominate early records, Old Gujarati emerges in inscriptions by the 14th century, reflecting the vernacularisation of official documents. The author emphasises the role of epigraphy in reconstructing Gujarat’s political history, economic relations and cultural exchanges with other regions, including maritime trade evidenced by inscriptions referencing ports like Bhrigukachchha (Bharuch). He analyses paleographic features to show how calligraphic styles evolved and how scripts like Nagari influenced Gujarati writing. The essay concludes with an assessment of the need to preserve and digitise ancient inscriptions, many of which are deteriorating due to environmental and human factors. By studying these primary sources, scholars can gain insights into ancient Gujarat’s society, religion and administration.