प्राचीन भारतीय लिपिमाला (महामहोपाध्याय गौरीशंकर हीराचन्द ओझा - लिपि-विज्ञान व कूट-पठन)

An appendix follows containing a dissertation on the epochs of various eras used in
India, viz :—
Saptarshi, Kaliyuga, Vīra-Nirvāṇa, Buddha-Nirvāṇa, Maurya, Selucidi, Vikrama,
Śaka, Kalachuri, Gupta, Gāngeya, Harsha, Bhāṭika, Kollam, Nevāra, Chālukya-
Vikrama, Siṁha, Lakshmaṇasena, Puduveppu, Rājyābhisheka, Bārhaspatya,
Grahaparivṛitti, solar and lunar years, Hijrī, Sāhūra, Faslī, Vilāyatī, Amlī, Bengalī,
Magī and Christian eras.
The second part comprises 84 plates. The relation of the various plates to different
chapters of the text has been detailed above.
In the plates 1—70 dealing with the various scripts, covering the period from the 3rd
century B.C. to the 16th century A.D., the following method has been adopted :—
Vowels, consonants, consonants with vowel particles, conjunct consonants and special
symbols or formations are selected from important inscriptions, copper-plates,
coins and manuscripts of the period in question and arranged in proper order
under the corresponding Nāgarī characters. Then follow a few lines from the
same sources in original for exercise in deciphering. The characteristics of each
script and special formations are traced and explained in the chapter relating to
the plate, which also contains a Nāgarī transcript of the lines given for exercise.
Extracts in original are not given for exercise in plates 60—64, as all inscriptions
found in these characters are in Tāmil language, and not Sanskrit.
I trust that those interested in the subject will find in this book all that is required for
the beginner, and that my book will arouse interest among my countrymen and induce them
to follow this fascinating study, which has helped, and will continue to help, the restoration
of an authentic history of India. Should it prove so, my labours will have been more than
amply rewarded.
Rajputana Museum, Ajmer :
The 13th August 1918. } GAURISHANKAR HIRACHAND OJHA.