Indian Epigraphy c9.t7.3

c9.t7.3

Sometimes votive records were also engraved on lumps of clay, which were later baked and burnt. Clay seals and sealings, both burnt and unburnt, have been discovered in various sites of North India in large numbers.⁵ These seals belonged to private individuals, offices and officials, religious institutions, etc. Earthen pots were often inscribed, generally before being burnt. A large number of potsherds bearing inscriptions have been discovered.⁶ Some such pots were meant for being dedicated in favour of religious institutions or were specially made for some particular purpose such as interring the relics of a Sati.¹ As indicated above, the letters were generally either embossed or scratched on moist clay before the earthen material was baked.²