Indian Epigraphy c6.s1.35

c6.s1.35

A few words may be added here about certain characteristics of Indian inscriptions though we shall have occasion to discuss many of them in detail separately. At the beginning of an inscription generally and also at its end occasionally, there is an auspicious symbol or word or a passage in adoration to a deity. The word *siddham* and *svasti* at the beginning of inscriptions are commonly found, though *siddham* gradually came to be represented by a symbol found at the beginning of numerous inscriptions. Among other auspicious symbols, occasionally we have the *svastika*,¹ the trident-on-wheel called *triratna*,² the *śrīvatsa*,³ the tree-in-railing,⁴ and certain unidentified symbols⁵ in early inscriptions.⁶