Question

Write a note on Tamil Brahmi inscriptions.

Answer 1

1. Inscriptions are documents scripted on stone, copper plates, and other media such as coins, rings, etc.
2. Tamil Brahmi was the first script used for writing in Tamil Nadu.
3. Inscriptions in Tamil-Brahmi are found in caves and rock shelters and on pottery and other objects like coins, rings, seals, etc.
4. Tamil Brahmi inscriptions have been found in more than 30 sites in Tamil Nadu, mostly on cave surfaces and rock shelters.
5. These caves were the abodes of Jain monks.
6. The natural caves were converted into a residence by cutting a drip-line to keep rainwater away from the cave.
7. Inscriptions often occur below such driplines.
8. The sites have smooth stone beds carved on rock surfaces for monks.
9. Mangalam, Muttupatti, Pugalur, Arachalur and Kongarpuliyankulam, and Jambai are some of the major sites of such caves with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions.
10. Around Madurai, many such caves with Tamil Brahmi inscriptions can be still seen. Many of them are located along ancient trade routes.