The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c28.90

v1.c28.90

That writing was in common use not only for literary purposes, but also in public business, the edicts of Açoka exist to prove. But this is by no means all. Epistolary correspondence was perfectly usual¹, and written documents were employed in the courts of law²: moreover, the administration was versed in book-keeping and registration on a large scale and systematically arranged³. And we have already the beginnings of a study of style and a vocabulary of exegesis⁴.