The earliest deciphered epigraphic inscriptions of significant length are the Edicts of Ashoka of the 3rd century BCE, written in forms of Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Jain inscriptions in South India written in Tamil-Brahmi, Bhattiprolu alphabet and the Kadamba alphabet are also of relatively early date.

The Script Used in the Earliest Tamil Inscriptions

Script is a writing system that helps in representing a language. The earliest Tamil inscriptions were written in a script called Brahmi. Let us understand this in detail.

Brahmi Script

The Brahmi script was one of the earliest writing systems that originated in ancient India. It was used to write several languages, including Tamil. The script was derived from the Aramaic script and was used to write various Indian languages from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE.

Features of Brahmi Script

Here are some of the key features of the Brahmi script:

- It was written from left to right.
- It was an alphabet-based script, with each letter representing a sound.
- The script consisted of 41 letters, which included vowels and consonants.
- The letters were written using straight lines and curves.
- The script was used on various materials like stone, copper plates, and palm leaves.

Importance of Brahmi Script

The Brahmi script was significant in the development of the Tamil language. It helped in the standardization of Tamil grammar and the creation of literary works. The script was also used to record historical events, religious texts, and administrative records. The inscriptions written in the Brahmi script provide valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural life of ancient Tamils.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the earliest Tamil inscriptions were written in the Brahmi script. The script was an alphabet-based writing system, with each letter representing a sound. It was significant in the development of the Tamil language and provided valuable insights into the ancient Tamil civilization.

Tamil-Brahmi is a variant of the Brahmi script used to write inscriptions in the early form of the Old Tamil language.

The earliest deciphered epigraphy found in India are the Edicts of Ashoka of the 3rd century BCE, written in very early forms of middle-Indo-Aryan languages in the Brahmi script. Samanam inscriptions in South India written in Tamil-Brahmi, Bhattiprolu alphabet and the Kadamba alphabet are also of relatively early date.