Descriptive Topographical Catalogue of Orissan Inscriptions

DETAILS : 

• Author : Snigdha Tripathy
  
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Manohar Publishers and Distributors
  
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ 6 November 2012
  
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
  
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 1186 pages
  
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 8173048401
  
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-8173048401
  
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2200 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Descriptive Topographical Catalogue of Orissan Inscriptions, authored by the highly esteemed epigraphist and historian Dr. Snigdha Tripathy and published by Manohar Publishers & Distributors, is a monumental, comprehensive archival masterpiece. Spanning over 1,100 pages, this highly specialized volume serves as an indispensable, definitive reference text for the reconstruction of the ancient and medieval political, social, and cultural history of Odisha (formerly Orissa).

The primary objective of the catalogue is to meticulously organize and locate Odisha's immense epigraphic wealth, which stands as the most authentic source material for understanding the region's dynastic successions, religious evolutions, and agrarian socio-economics. Rather than offering isolated textual translations, Tripathy adopts a rigorous topographical approach, arranging the vast corpus of inscriptions based on their original geographical find-spots and distributions. The book features precise documentation parameters for hundreds of copper-plate grants and stone edicts:

• Geographical Mapping: Structures inscriptions by districts, villages, and precise archaeological sites, including a folded historical map to trace early territorial divisions (Bhuktis, Visayas, and Mandalas).
• Taxonomic & Chronological Profiles: Identifies the ruling dynasties (such as the Mahameghavahanas, Matharas, Sailodbhavas, Bhauma-Karas, Somavamsis, and Eastern Gangas) and determines dates through paleographical evolution and historical eras.
• Sanskrit and Prakrit Analysis: Catalogues primarily Sanskrit epigraphs written in regional scripts like Kalinga, proto-Odia, and Siddhamatrika, detailing the physical traits of the objects (seal dimensions, ring weights, and number of plates).
• Historical Synopses: Summarizes the core content of each charter—such as royal genealogies (Prasastis), boundaries of donated lands, exemptions from taxation, and names of donees (Brahmin recipients or Buddhist/Jain monasteries).

By providing an exhaustive bibliography, cross-references to major epigraphic journals (Epigraphia Indica and Inscriptions of Orissa), and a massive find-spot concordance, Tripathy's work bridges the gap between raw field archaeology and structured historical theory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Snigdha Tripathy is one of India’s foremost authorities on epigraphy, paleography, and numismatics, specifically specializing in the cultural heritage of Eastern India. She served for decades as the Epigraphist at the State Museum of Odisha, where she was directly responsible for the preservation, decipherment, and publication of newly discovered historical records and hoard coins.

Dr. Tripathy’s authorial voice is defined by uncompromising academic rigor, vast institutional memory, and systematic documentation. Her other highly celebrated publications—including her multi-volume Inscriptions of Orissa series and her seminal research Early and Medieval Coins and Currency System of Orissa—remain standard foundational references for Indologists, archaeologists, and South Asian historians worldwide.