Bannanje Govindacharya, scholar, said on Friday that it was essential to create awareness about the importance of inscriptions among people especially students.
He was speaking after inaugurating the four-day workshop on epigraphy organised by the Directorate of Heritage, Archaeology and Museums, Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Centre, and Academy of General Education at MGM College, here.
Mr. Govindacharya said that a study of inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts was essential for a study of history. Inscriptions and manuscripts were important tools of history. But there was disinterest among students about studying inscriptions and history, he said.
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People in the country did not know about the importance of inscriptions. At some places, these inscriptions were being used as washing stones. Some had used inscriptions construct steps to their houses.
Students interested in inscriptions should have knowledge of languages and scripts of Tulu, Brahmi, Nagari, Nanda Nagari, and Old Kannada (Halegannada). Many inscriptions were found in these and other languages.
“If students do not have knowledge of these languages and scripts, they will not be able to read them. In fact, classes on some of these languages should be held daily in colleges for interested students,” Mr. Govindacharya said.
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P.N. Narasimhamurthy, historian and convener of the workshop, said that the interest among the students about inscriptions was declining.
Heranje Krishna Bhat, Director of Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Centre, was present.