Epigraphy
* What is Epigraphy?
In this era of computer engineering and information technology, there is a science which remains important to know our glorious past, i.e. art of reading the mysterious scriptures in various ancient languages and signs. This science is called Epigraphy. Epigraphy is the science of discovering, deciphering and interpreting old epigraphs written on stone, copper plates, wooden planks etc. Epigraphs are the imperishable and most authentic source of history. They also give exact date of the historical events, names of rulers,their titles, genealogy, territories and tenures. These inscribed tablets are the best evidences of evolution of writing styles of different scripts and trends in literature of ancient languages and also the history of religions.
Epigraphy is one of the various disciplines of Archaeological studies. Through exploration, these epigraphs and discovered on monuments like forts, shrine, toms, epitaphs, wells, secular buildings, etc. They are copied on paper by preparing linked-drubbings or photography. Then after meticulous decipherment, the data stored in them is interpreted to identify personages, events of history, places, dates, etc. they are listed in Annual Report on Indian Epigraphy, important discoveries are highlighted in the yearly journal Indian Archaeology -A Review whereas the historically significant epigraphs are critically edited with the facsimile in the research journal Epigraphia Indica.
* Epigraphy Wing of ASI
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established way bake in 1861. Along with exploration, conservation and excavation study of epigraphs was one of the important academic activities of ASI. The survey has a separate branch for study of epigraphs. The Epigraphy Branch caters to the needs of the Sanskrit Dravidian inscriptions and coins (Headquarters at Mysore) and Arabic & Persian inscriptions and coins (Headquarters at Nagpur), both headed by two separate Directors. Epigraphy Branch has its Zonal Offices at Lucknow and Chennai.
* Scope for Career
In the epigraphy wing of ASI, there are number of posts for Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Telugu, Kannada, Tmail, and Malayalam. In many State Governments there are
Archaeology Departments which have posts of epigraphists. Besids, nearly all the reputed museums have post of curators and keepers/deputy deepers/gallery assistants where epigraphists are needed. The National Museum, New Delhi; Indian Museum, Kolkata; The National Archives of India and many State Departments of Archives need epigraphists for their work.
Archaeology Departments which have posts of epigraphists. Besids, nearly all the reputed museums have post of curators and keepers/deputy deepers/gallery assistants where epigraphists are needed. The National Museum, New Delhi; Indian Museum, Kolkata; The National Archives of India and many State Departments of Archives need epigraphists for their work.
* Qualification for Entry
One has to hold a First Division Master's degree in any of the above mentioned languages from a recognised university with History as a subject at the graduation level OR a First Division Master's degree in History with any of the languages mentioned above as a subject at graduation level. Karnataka University, Dharwar and Tamil University, Thanjavur run a post graduate diploma course in Epigraphy, that will be preferable qualification for selection.
* Hierarchy in Epigraphy Branches of ASI
Sl. No.
|
Name
of Post
|
Grade
|
Pay
Scale
|
Recruitment
|
1.
|
Assistant Epigraphist
|
Group B – Non Gazetted
|
Rs. 9300-34800+ Grade Pay 4200/-
|
Selected by Staff Selection Commission
|
2.
|
Assistant Superintending Epigraphist
|
Group B – Gazetted
|
Rs.9300-34800+ Grade Pay 4200/-
|
Selection by Deptt. Promo Committee
|
3.
|
Deputy Superintending Epigraphist
|
Group A – Gazetted
|
Rs.15600-39100+ Grade Pay 5400/-
|
Selection by UPSC
|
4.
|
Superintending
|
Group A – Gazetted
|
Rs. 15600-39100+ Grade Pay 6600/-
|
Selection by UPSC
|
5.
|
Director Epigraphy
|
Group A – Gazetted
|
Rs. 15600-39100+ Grade Pay 7600/-
|
Selection by Deptt. Promo Commtt.
|
