Studies in the Shell Script (An Old & Rare Book)

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About the Book Little attention has been paid to the study of the Shell Script (Sankhalipi) i.e. inscriptions written in the so called "Shell-Characters" since its discovery by James Prinsep. The subject remains a terra incognita even now. However, recently, new dimensions have been added to the knowledge of this subject by key to decipher the script provided by Prof. B.N. Mukherjee and subsequent advancements made in explorations and reading of the inscriptions written in the shell characters. The present volume contains the latest position regarding the study of the Shell Script in India.

About the Author Dr. R. K. Sharma is Professor and Head, Department of Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology, University of Jabalpur, Jabalpur (M. P.).

His publications include, Madhya Pradesh Ke Puratattva Ka Sandarbha Grantha (in Hindi, Bhopal, 1974), The Temple of Chausatha Yogini at Bhera ghat (Delhi, 1978), Art of The Parama ras of Malwa-(Ed.) (Delhi 1979), The Kalachuris And Their Times (Delhi 1980). Indian Archaeology: New Pers pectives (Ed) (Delhi, 1982), Archaeology of Bhopal Region (Delhi, 1980), and Vajapeya (Prof. K. D. Bajpai Felicita tion Volume), (Ed.) (Delhi, 1987). Presently he is engaged in studies related to the Shell Script.

Introduction To Indologists the 'Sankhalipi' ie. inscriptions written in the so called 'shell characters' is known since the times of James Prinsep. However, little attention has been paid to the study of this script with the result that it remains a terra incognita even now. Excepting the publication of two articles by G.R. Hunter and K.P. Jayaswal no substantial contribution has been made to unravel the mystery of this script. It was in 1976 that the Centre of Advanced Study in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology, Calcutta University undertook a project on "Shell Inscriptions" under directions of Professor B.N. Mukherjee which was executed by Richard Salomon. The results of Dr. Salomon's researches were released in his preliminary Report entitled "Shell Inscriptions" published by the Calcutta University in 1980. Dr. Salomon made a substantial contribution in the advancement of research in this subject by preparing a well documented Report regarding the locations of Shell Inscriptions known till date. His observations regarding various aspects of the script were only tentative and he did not succeed in finding a clue to the decipherment of the Script.

It was three years later after the publication of the Report i.e. in March, 1983, that Professor B.N. Mukherjee succeeded in finding out the key to decipher the Script. He has explained his system of reading the inscriptions in Shell Script in a number of his writings and discourses delivered in India and abroad, and his formula is now acceptable to the scholarly world. All these are explained in Professor Mukherjee's paper printed at serial No. 2 of this volume. The Archaeological Survey of India has already undertaken a project to decipher the Shell Inscriptions in India following the system formulated by Professor Mukherjee. The importance of the present volume lies in the fact that herein is contained the latest position regarding the study of the Shell Script in India. It is hoped that this volume will be read by the scholarly world with much benefit.

**Contents and Sample Pages**