Question

Who deciphered 'Brahmi' and 'Kharosthi' scripts in 1838?

• A. James Prinsep
• B. Alexander Cunningham
• C. D.C. Sircar
• D. R.E.M. Wheeler

Hint:

James Prinsep's name is fundamentally linked to Indian epigraphy. He is the key figure who "unlocked" ancient Indian history by enabling scholars to read Ashoka's edicts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the scholar who was the first to decipher the two major ancient scripts of India, Brahmi and Kharosthi. This was a monumental breakthrough in the study of early Indian history.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

(1) James Prinsep: He was an English scholar, orientalist, and antiquary who worked as an assay master at the mint of the British East India Company in Calcutta. In the 1830s, after years of painstaking work, he successfully deciphered the Brahmi script. The question mentions the year 1838, by which time his decipherment was complete and had been published. This allowed the edicts of Emperor Ashoka to be read for the first time, revolutionizing the understanding of the Mauryan period. He also made significant progress on the Kharosthi script.
(2) Alexander Cunningham: He was a protégé of Prinsep and later became the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. He did extensive archaeological work but was not the one who deciphered the scripts.
(3) D.C. Sircar: A renowned Indian epigraphist and historian of the 20th century.
(4) R.E.M. Wheeler: A British archaeologist who also served as Director-General of the ASI and is known for his scientific approach to excavations, particularly at Harappan sites.
Step 3: Final Answer:
James Prinsep was the scholar who deciphered the Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.