ASI decodes Sanskrit inscription found in POK

HYDERABAD: An ancient Sanskrit inscription discovered on a rock outside Gilgit in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir was decoded by ASI's epigraph division. Written in Brahmi script, it dates back to approximately 4th-century CE, reports U Sudhakarreddy. According to ASI epigraphy director K Muniratnam Reddy, the inscription reads: "Pushpasingha, for the merit of his guru (name partially lost), installed a Mahesvaralinga." Shiv Pratap Singh from Rajasthan shared a photo of the inscription with ASI, which decoded it.

Experts said there were earlier instances wherein Sanskrit inscriptions were found in Pakistan. Five months ago, ASI had decoded a Sanskrit inscription sent from the neighbouring country. The fragmentary inscription, engraved on a slab, was found near Peshawar. According to Reddy, it was written in Sanskrit and Sharada characters of 10th-century CE. Damaged and fragmentary, it seems to refer to Buddhist Dharini (chants). In line six, it mentions Da (Dha) rini, he said.

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