Copper plate inscriptions hold a unique place in the history of ancient civilizations, especially in India. These engraved plates served as durable records of significant events, royal decrees, and religious donations. Dating back to as early as the 3rd century CE, copper plates were used across various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara Empire, to document land grants, tax exemptions, and other charitable acts.
These inscriptions, written in languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, reveal invaluable insights into governance, culture, and the socio-economic structure of their times. Often found in temples or preserved in museums, they are not just records but also legal documents that hold historical and linguistic importance.
One of the most famous examples is the Tamil Nadu Thiruvalangadu copper plates, which narrate the genealogy of the Chola dynasty. Similarly, the grants of Nalanda and the inscriptions of Gupta emperors highlight the patronage of education and religion.
Join us as we explore the artistry, significance, and fascinating stories behind these historical artifacts, which continue to inspire and inform researchers, historians, and art lovers worldwide.