Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!...... Page-44 SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine Shakespeare's Julies Caesar in Dogri ....Page-33 Of ancient inscriptions and scripts in Jammu

Lalit Gupta century CE, along with many such unexcavated monaster- bi, it is perhaps the longest Brahmi inscription in the region between the 8th-10th century CE and evolved into 'Shar- ies in the region, played pivotal role in exposing the local Modern studies have revealed that writing system is not and also the second oldest Brahmi inscription from the da' script which was used mainly in Kashmir, Himachal hill and highland communities of Jammu to Buddhism and Himalayan Valleys of Chenab region. Thirdly, its paleo- Pradesh and Jammu, from 8th century CE onwards, a marker of civilization but at the same time it certainly sig- the aura of power associated with it; partly because this nifies an important development in the intellectual progress graphic studies indicate the Kushana influence in the Val- 'Sharda', in turn grew into several variants in a few cen- religion had the support of powerful regional political forces, ley of Bhadarwah. turies. By 10th century, the first variant, the 'Landa' script, of a culture and concomitant changes in mental and social and partly because Buddhist monks were recognized for structures incident to the use of writing. The third important Brahmi inscription has been found had appeared in Punjab, and would eventually transform their scholarship. Since each region to which Buddhism inscribed on an iron trident, that broken in two pieces, into the Gurmukhi script. By 14th century other variants In the above context, introduction of literate culture in traveled developed its own monasteries, universities, tem- Jammu region-which boasts of great scoio-cultural contin- stands embedded in the courtyard of Sudhamahadev Shi- such as 'Takri' and Kashmiri also appeared in Jammu and ples, and dedicated lay followers, the region of Jammu was va temple. On the basis of paleographic evaluation by J.N. Kashmir regions respectively. uum from Neolithic times along with wealth of oral litera- no exception. ture-can be traced back to the 2500 BCE old Indus Valley Agarwal, this inscription which mentions one king Ganpati Infact 'Takri' descended from 'Sharda' through an inter- With reference to development of scripts and literacy Naga son of Vibhu Naga, has been dated to 3rd-4th cen- mediate form known as 'Devashesha', which emerged in Culture; the archaeological evidences of which were after Indus valley, the earliest recorded scripts of India are unearthed by Archaeological Survey of India at Manda, tury CE. 14th century. 'Devshesha' was a script used for religious Brahmi and Kharoshti. It is not definitely known when these The Ganpati Naga, who also finds mention in the famous and official purposes, while its popular form 'Takri' was used Akhnoor in 1960's. Jammu being Indus Valley culture's scripts came in use, but by time of king Ashoka they had northern most outpost must have had exposure to the ear- Allahabad Pillar Inscription, was one of the nine Naga rulers for commercial and informal purposes. 'Takri' became dif- established themselves as widely used scripts. conquered by the great warrior king Gupta emperor Samu- ferentiated from 'Devshesha' in 16th century and served liest system of writing in the sub-continent. Kharoshti script enjoyed popularity in ancient Gandhara After decline of Bronze Age culture of Indus Valley by dragupta. During 3rd and 4th century CE, two Naga fami- as the official script of several princely states of northern Culture to write the Gandhari and Sanskrit language lies ruled, one belonging to Mathura and the other to Pad- and north-western India, from 17th century until the mid- end of second millennium BCE, the later day culture asso- remained in active use from the middle of 3rd century BCE ciated with use of painted grey ware (PGW), was consid- mavati (modern Gwalior). Many coins of that period dis- dle of 20th century. until it died out in its homeland around 3rd century CE. close names of ten Naga rulers, including Vibhu Naga and The Dogri form of 'Takri' was adopted as the official script ered as the threshold of second urbanization in India rough- According to scholars, Brahmi, the mother of most Indi- ly between 1200 BCE to 600 BCE. It was followed by the Ganapti Naga. of Jammu and Kashmir and a standardized form of the script, an and South-East Asian scripts which evolved during and Sudhamahadev temple inscription throws important known as 'Dogre Akkhar', was propagated by official decree culture of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBWP) people after the Mauryan era widened its reach through traders who in turn laid the foundation of super structure that light on political history of Jammu and establishes the fact by Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu in 1860s. Ranbir Singh travelling to these regions. Earliest examples of Brahmi that Sudhamahadev was an important pilgrimage centre in also established the Vidya Vilas Press in Jammu in order to around 6th century marked the establishment of legendary script, in form of Ashokan Edicts, stand etched on pillars republics; the 16 Maha-janapadas (including Madra jana- 3rd-4th CE which attracted visits from kings, especially print scholarly books and official publications including rev- and rocks spread through the length and breadth of Indi- those who also had influence in this area. pada--with Sialkot as capital) ruled by kings like Udayana, enue rules and measurements etc, in the new Dogri script. an sub-continent. In the north-west of India, Ashokan rock In the background of already existing practice of writing Prasenjit and Bimbisara, and marked with the great reli- 'Takri' appears in numerous records, from manuscripts edicts have been discovered at Kandhaar in south inscriptions in Brahmi, the other evidence reflecting upon gious teachers, Mahavira and Buddha. to inscriptions on stone slabs, metal sheets, memorial Afghanistan and Shahbazgarhi in NWFP, Pakistan. the use of another special variety of script in Jammu is stones, baolis, buildings, wells etc. It was used for writing It is during the time of second urbanization that Jammu Though no Ashokan rock edicts has been discovered linked to the discovery of so-called Shankha Lipi inscrip- region, under the sovereignty of Gandhara and Madra administrative documents, such as letters, land grants, and in Jammu and Kashmir, the earliest available Brahmi tions found on small round stones at Akhnoor (now lying official decrees. It appeared on postage stamps and post- Desh, due to its unique geographical position not only inscription in Jammu region that links the development of in the collection of Dogra Art Museum, Jammu) and also emerged as an important mountainous tract and a safe marks from Jammu and Kashmir from 19th century. literate culture in Jammu with pan-Indian cultural achieve- on stone boulders near Bhadarwah. Translations of Sanskrit texts into Dogri language print- haven for the commercial traffic emanating from Indian ments, has been discovered from Bathastal (Balastal) Interestingly, these un-deciphered short inscriptions-in mainland to Central Asia via Gandhara but was also ed in Dogri 'Takri' were commissioned by Maharaja Ran- Cave in Dachhan, Kishtwar. This post-Mauryan Brahmi a script called as 'Shell characters' or 'Shankhalipi' for their bir Singh. The most well-known of these is the mathemat- exposed to contemporary urban culture and practices. peculiar and highly ornate character-are also found at a inscription was first noticed in 1921 by R.C.Kak, the prime ical treatise Lilavati by Bhaskaracarya. The British and For- Another landmark development that left an indelible wide range of archaeological sites in and around India from minister of princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and an eign Bible Society printed translations of Christian religious imprint on the socio-religious life of Jammu region was archaeologist of repute. Dated between 3rd to 5th centuries Akhnoor (Jammu) in the north to Sandur (Bellary District, advent of Buddhism in the region from circa 5th -4th cen- Karnataka) in southern India as well as from four sites in texts in Takri. The most well-known of 'Takri' records are CE by R.C. Kak, the Bathastal inscription is one of the old- inscriptions on Pahari paintings, which as a distinct style tury BCE onwards. This also led to a process of accultur- est Brahami inscriptions in Jammu region. Epigraphist like Indonesia (Java and Borneo). ation that entailed series of changes in the socio-cultural Since Sankha Lipi, has been used for names and sig- of miniature painting developed in former princely states B.K.Kaul Dembi have placed and compared Bathastal cave such as Basohli, Mankot (Ramkot), Chamba and Kangra. life of the indigenous communities. The material evidences inscription with coins of Indo-Bactrian kings Agathocles and natures by the pilgrims as record of their visits to famous of such a social-cultural transformations in target commu- pilgrimage centers. The finds of such inscriptions in Pahari miniatures often contain captions that indicated sub- Pantaleon, Rock inscription of Khanihara, near ject of a portrait or a description of a scene written in the nities was directly related to factors like, the patronage of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh and Inscription of Ksha- Akhnoor and Bhadarwah, clearly establishes that their find Buddhism by local ruling class, social elite and traders car- spots (such as the monastic complexes Ambaran local language using Takri, or excerpts from a literary text trapa King Sodasa, all belonging to Post-Mauryan Group Until late 19th century, 'Takri' was used concurrently with avans passing through this particular area. Such evidences of 184 BCE to the beginning of Christian era. (Akhnoor) and Bhadarwah) were active centers of pilgrim- have come in terms of growth of monastic complexes in age in Jammu between 4th to 7th century CE. 'Devanagari', but it was gradually replaced by Urdu. The Second important inscription in Jammu region is the Dogri 'Takri' finally lost its socio-cultural status on a deci- and near cities, growth of literacy. Bhadarwah Cave Inscription which is inscribed inside a Next stage of literacy/writing in Jammu and contiguous Buddhist monastic complex at Ambaran, near Akhnnor, regions of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir is linked to a sion in 1944 by the Dogri Sanstha to use Devanagari as cave shrine (called as Gupt Ganga) on the bank of river the official script for the Dogri language. which flourished between circa 1st century BCE to 6th-7th- Neru near Bhadarwah town. According to B K Kaul Dem- western variant of Gupta Brahmi script which developed Sports Academies crop up Jammu Rajesh Dhar Though, the State of Jammu and Kashmir has already succeeded in craft- ing a space on the Country’s Sports Map, yet the culture of training in Sports Academies, Coaching Centres and Sports Clubs, which was not a custom in the past, is playing a pivotal role in shaping careers of bud- ding sportspersons, helping the State in producing international stuff to serve it at the national scene. The existence of the Sports Academies and Allied Coaching Centres in the State, attracts kids and their parents towards them and the youngsters, who possess motor-ability, reflexes and anticipation are molded to become top sportspersons of the Country. Presence of Sports Academies, has not only brought sea change in Sports Culture of the State, but also has lured the youngsters to take sports as a career. Otherwise, earlier, the youngsters used to participate in sports and games to make full use of their leisure and enjoy sporting events as recre- ational activities. Presently, this region can boast of having galaxy of Sports Academies and Coaching Centres in the major sports disciplines of Table Tennis, Handball, Basketball, Snooker, Kabaddi, Boxing, Gymnastics, Fencing and Cricket etc, and their presence can be gauged from the fact that the State of Jammu and Kashmir has won good number of medals including gold medals also in var- ious sports disciplines at the National and International scene. The performance of the players and coaches from the State in 35th Nation- al Games at Kerala in the disciplines of Gymnastics, Boxing, Fencing, Wushu etc, is testimony to the fact as to how drastically the performance graph of the sportspersons has increased in last two to three years. In Gymnastics, Arjuna Awardee and India Coach, Krupali Singh, SP Singh, Manisha and others, run Coaching and training classes at MA Stadium and the performance of their trainees like Palak Kour and Mitali Dogra at the Nation- al Level speaks volumes about their coaching abilities. Fencing Coaches Chotu Lal and Rachna Jamwal have the distinction of producing international stuff including Vishal Thappa, Rashid Ahmed etc by The contribution of the cricket coaches including Randhir Singh Manhas sons of the State are being lured by the infrastructural facilities in these Cen- running their regular training classes at MA Stadium. (Rajan), Virender Sharma, Ravi Sharma, Sunil Kumar and others in honing tres, which in turn enhance sports culture and helps the State in producing Anil Wadhera, Boxing Coach has produced quality stuff by running regu- skill of the players in these Centres is highly laudable as Jammu and Kash- International stuff, besides enabling youngsters to make their careers. lar training classes in Jammu, while in basketball, handball, speedball etc reg- mir can boast of having a galaxy of talented cricketers, who possess all that Now, parents have no hesitation in sending their children to these Acade- mies, even at a tender age to catch them young and coach them, as sports ular training classes are being run by the experts of these games at various is required to blossom at the highest level. Sehwag Cricket Academy was inaugurated by internationally famed crick- has become a career option in the present era. centres in Jammu, to hone skill of the players with an aim to produce quality It is only these Academies, which can help youngsters to rectify their mis- stuff. eter Virender Sehwag in the month of May, 2015 at Heritage School in Sainik Colony, Jammu. The young cricket aspirants were bestowed tips by Virender takes, besides providing opportunity to the coaches to work on the skeletal In Table Tennis, Stag Academy has been established at Nanak Nagar in assessment, fitness and skill of the players during the off-season. Jammu, under the supervision of Ramesh Magotra, which since its establish- Sehwag and Mithun Manhas. Manhas visits off and on to the Academy to train the youngsters, apart from the regular coaches. “Presence of Sports Academies in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is a ment has organized around five standard tournaments in Jammu, helping step forward in promoting sports at the grass-root level, as they provide stan- young peddlers to polish and fine-tune their skill and talent. KC Sports Club, under Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence was inaugurat- ed by J&K Ranji Trophy skipper and the only player who represented Team dard infrastructural facilities and platform to them for polishing their skill and In the game of Cricket, there are many Academies, Clubs and Coaching talent up to the maximum level,” said Sunil Joshi, former Test cricketer and Centres, wherein the youngsters are receiving coaching and training, under India, Parvez Rasool and the experts from the Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excel- coach of J&K Ranji Trophy team. the expert coaches and trainers. lence from Chandigarh also. “KC Sports Club, apart from having a standard Gym and allied facilities, Leading from the front in this race are KC Sports Club (Yuvraj Singh Cen- Many youngsters of the State, as on date, involve themselves with these has the distinction of having nine artificial turfs (9 pitches), with four fast bowl- tre of Excellence), Sehwag Cricket Academy, Mayank Goswami Cricket Acad- Academies and Training Centres to shape their careers. ing strips and five spinning tracks in its mega indoor cricket hall. This facility emy, Col RN Chopra Cricket Academy, Sidhant Cricket Academy, besides reg- The lack of sufficient infrastructure provided by the Government, is being is unique in the entire Country and helps the youngsters to feel aroma of qual- ular Coaching Centre at MA Stadium. replenished by these Sports Academies and Coaching Centres. Sportsper- ity practicing surfaces,” said Arjun Choudhary, Managing Director of the Club.