An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c10.s5.1

v1.c10.s5.1

Epigraphy and palaeography form the primary source of dating in the field of historical archaeology. Inscriptions on stone and other materials—copper-plates, seals and sealings—along with their contents have always played and will continue to play a substantial role in the dating not only of standing monuments but of the cultural deposits of excavated sites. The dates of the construction, consecration or renovation of a large number of ancient temples and other religious and secular structures and also of images are furnished by inscriptions. The chronological data from epigraphy and palaeography have rendered invaluable assistance in the reconstruction of the stylistic phases of the origin, development and decline of the different schools of Indian art and architecture.