Archaeology is a systematic study of antiquities. It deals with the actual *** of the dim, distant past by way of inscriptions (Epigraphy), coins (Numismatics) and monuments.
These provide us with valuable and useful information to enable us to reconstruct our history.
1. Excavations: Excavation is the scientific digging of earth for unearthing sources of historical importance. Excavations provide an insight into the social, cultural and religious life of the people of some earlier era. The archaeological *** found during excavations are put to scientific tests by carbon-14 dating and potassium methods to ascertain their age.
2. Inscriptions: Inscriptions are writings found on hard substances such as stone, metal, wood, shell, pottery, etc. Inscriptions provide information about the type of coins that were in circulation, trade and commerce, the agricultural system that existed, names of Kings, their dynasties and the Era.
Culture of the region was also often reflected in inscriptions. So, inscriptions are the most valuable, reliable, authentic and direct sources for writing history. They were written in various languages like Pali, Prakriti, Sanskrit, Tamil, old Kannada, etc. Ashoka’* Hatigumpha cave inscriptions at Kharvela (Orissa) are regarded as one of the earliest. The Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta, Aihole inscription of Pulikeshi-II, etc., give details regarding their expeditions. Thus, inscriptions throw light on a variety of matters of history and culture of ancient India.
3. Coins (Numismatics): Coins help us to understand the age, dynasty, economic and religious conditions, script, languages, extent of the Empire, etc. Coins were usually minted in gold, silver, copper, lead, etc. The coins of Guptas, Shatavahanas, Yadavas, Vijayanagara, etc., are noteworthy.
4. Monuments: Monuments are structures or sites of historical importance. They are the materials actually made and used by the people from the earlier era. Forts, palaces, caves, temples, statues, stupas, mosques, tombs, churches, basadies, etc, are examples of monuments.
The cave paintings of Ajanta, Eliora, Elephanta, Khajuraho, Badami, the temples at Konark, Belur, Halebeedu, Tanjavur, and Hampi, the statues of Gomateshwara and Buddha, etc., help us to understand the cultural heritage of India. They are the true signs of the prosperity of that ** and speak volumes of the artistic taste of the people and Rulers of that time.
5. Paintings: The paintings of various periods give us a very vivid picture of the cultural, social and religious aspects of those bygone eras. For example, among the paintings at the Ajanta caves, there is a picture of Pulikeshi-II receiving the Ambas.. of Khusro-II.
We find the importance of the archaeological sources in reconstructing the history of India. A critical analysis of these sources will enable us to write an authentic history in a very scientific way.
