The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has successfully deciphered two noteworthy Sanskrit inscriptions, one originating from Vietnam and the other from Nepal. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the cultural and geopolitical influence of ancient India on Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region during the 3rd and 6th centuries CE.

According to K. Muniratnam Reddy, head of ASI’s epigraphy division, the first inscription, etched onto a ring discovered in southern Vietnam, dates back to the 3rd century CE. Composed in Sanskrit and written in the Brahmi script, the inscription bears the name Jeshthamitrasya, indicating that the ring belonged to an individual named Jeshthamitra.

“This discovery underscores the profound cultural impact of India, as the Brahmi script, which originated in India, serves as the foundation for numerous scripts used across both India and Southeast Asia today,” Reddy remarked. The ring had been submitted to the ASI for analysis by Shiv Pratap Singh from Rajasthan.

The second inscription was found on the base of a Shivling in Mahadevtar village, located in Sindhupalchok district of Nepal, dating to the 6th century CE. Written in Sanskrit and late Brahmi characters, the inscription begins with an invocation to Lord Shiva and mentions Bhimagupta and his son Devagupta, likely members of the Lichhavi dynasty. Despite being partially damaged, the text suggests that the Linga was installed by Devagupta to honour his parents. This inscription was forwarded to the ASI for deciphering by Professor Diwakar Acharya from the University of Oxford.

Commenting on these findings, Reddy stated, “These inscriptions highlight India’s historical cultural and spiritual connections with neighbouring regions and Southeast Asia. They offer fresh perspectives on the dissemination of Indian scripts and religious practices beyond the subcontinent.”