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Building a Theory of...
Building a Theory of the Indic Brahmi Writing System
Problems and Prospects by: P.G. Patel₹360.00
ISBN: 9788124609729
Year Of Publication: 2020
Edition: 1st
Pages : xii, 97
Bibliographic Details : Bibliography; Index
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 23
Weight: 350
This book develops a consilience of research and thinking in epigraphy, archaeology, and linguistics on the Indic Brahmi writing system. Its objective is to identify the problems that need to be tackled by anybody who tries to develop a theory of the Brahmi writing system. As for the currently scientifically supported hypothesis that Brahmi originated in Tamil Nadu during the sixth century BCE or earlier, Patel opts for the need to keep this as an idea for the working basket awaiting new archaeological research in the sixth-century Magadha region.
The book deliberates upon how ancient Tamil Nadu was receptive to literacy. The Brahmanical fascination for orality blocked literacy in Vedic India. The brahmanas from north India entered Tamil Nadu only during the third century bce and lived away from residential areas. Tamil Nadu at the time had no caste system. This is reflected in the Sangam literature, which followed historically the grammarian Tolkappiyar. The conditions in Sri Lanka before and after the arrival of Buddhism are noted in relation to the rise of literacy. The relationship between Brahmi in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu is highlighted for the purpose of further research. Also noted is the need for research on the differences between Dravidian and northern scripts in the way the aksharas are formed in graphic representation.
Preface
- Introduction
- The Brahmi Writing System: Background
Introduction
New Pathway
Brahmi Script and Orthography
Phonological Basis of the Unit AkShara
Formation of Akshara Structure: Historical Development Concluding Remarks
- Framework for a Theory of the Indic Brahmi Writing System
Introduction
The Two Levels of the Indic Brahmi Script
Ancient India: Linguistics, Writing, and Orality
The Written Version of the Epics
The Issue of Memory Limits and Oral Composition
Vedic Applied Linguistic Manuals: Pratishakhyas
The Concept of Matra
Research on Brahmi
Brahmi and Archaeology
Archaeology, Epigraphy, and Linguistics
Akshara Formation: The Role of Pre-Historic Tamil
The Indus Valley Script and Early Tamil
Kharoshthi and Brahmi
Rise of Brahmi
Concluding Remarks
- Some Notes for a Theory of the Brahmi Writing System
Introduction
The Two Levels of Brahmi as a Writing System
Archaeological Discoveries
The Ancient Indian Roots of the Linguistic Level of Brahmi
Emergence of Brahmi
The Indus Valley Civilization and Its Tamil Base
Tamil Brahmi and Its Source
The Issue of the Origin of Brahmi
Concluding Remarks
- Final Thoughts
Bibliography
Index
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