What is the Shankhalipi script? Topics Covered: Indian cultur | MPPSC 2023 PRE MAINS NOTES MPPSC PRE 2022 MPPSC MAINS 2021 MP PSC TEST SERIES CURRENT AFFAIRS MP CURRENT AFFAIRS MP GK QUIZ 🎯
What is the Shankhalipi script?
Topics Covered: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Context:
Archeologists have found ‘shankhalipi’ inscriptions on the stairs on an ancient temple dating back to the Gupta period in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district.
The inscriptions mention ‘Sri Mahendraditya’, the title of Kumaragupta I of the Gupta dynasty.
Significance of the latest findings:
Two decorative pillars close to one another, with human figurines have been discovered at Bilsarh site. The discovery becomes significant since only two other structural temples from the Gupta age have been found so far — Dashavatara Temple (Deogarh) and Bhitargaon Temple (Kanpur Dehat).
Who was Kumaragupta I?
In the 5th century, Kumaragupta I ruled for 40 years over north-central India.
He was the son of the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and queen Dhruvadevi.
Kumaragupta performed an Ashvamedha sacrifice.
He may have subdued the Aulikaras of central India and the Traikutakas of western India.
The Bhitari pillar inscription states that his successor Skandagupta restored the fallen fortunes of the Gupta family.
Administration:
Kumaradeva ruled his empire through governors (Uparikas), who bore the title Maharaja (“great king”), and administered various provinces (Bhuktis).
The districts (vishayas) of the provinces were administered by district magistrates (Vishyapatis), who were supported by an advisory council comprising:
The town president or mayor (Nagara-Shreshtin).
Rhe representative of the merchant guild (Sarthavaha).
The chief of the artisan guild (Prathama-Kulika).
The chief of the guild of writers or scribes (Prathama-Kayastha)
