I ANNUAL REPORT ON INDIAN EPIGRAPHY

The first Annual Report highlighting important aspects of epigraphs edited by Dr. E. Hultzsch was brought out in the year 1887. Every year the technical staff undertakes extensive survey work throughout the length and breadth of India and goes to remote places and copy large number of inscriptions. These reports contains the particulars like the find spot of the record, dynasty, king and date to which the epigraph belongs, language and script in which it is written and the summary of the inscriptions. Inscriptions, which are basically engraved on stone, copper-plates and on other materials, are noticed under different appendices in the report and there is a general introduction in the beginning highlighting various political-cultural, socio-economic and other aspects as revealed by the epigraphs. At the end of the report some of important facsimiles of the inscriptions are appended. So far, the epigraphy branch has brought out nearly 100 reports. They serve as useful compendiums to the scholars for ready reference.