The Genesis of Brahmi Script and Numbers: A Historical Reveal

New Discoveries shedding light on the invention of the Brahmi signs and numbers have been garnering significant attention recently. The findings align with the ancient lore recorded in Indian texts, particularly those ascribed to King Rishabha, which have long suggested a connection between Rishabha and the origins of Brahmi Script.

Excerpts on Rishabha and Brahmi Script

According to Jain texts, Rishabhanatha, also known as Rishabha, the first of the twenty-four tirthankaras, was the progenitor of not only Brahmi Script but also the science of numbers. The Pannavana Sutra (2nd century BCE) and the Samavayanga Sutra (3rd century BCE) explicitly mention Brahmi Script, naming it after Rishabha's daughter, as the most prominent script in the ancient Jain tradition.

Geographical Origins of Brahmi Script

The geographical site where Brahmi Script was first invented and implemented can be traced back to Ayodhya, the ancient capital of Rishabha, as well as of his son, Bharata. Ayodhya, mentioned in various ancient texts, is identified as the Ayodhya-holotype – the original Ayodhya of Ancient India.

Convergence of Historical Geographies

The birthplace of ancient scripts such as Brahmi and the migration patterns of early civilizations aligning with the geography of Odisha Central add a new dimension to our understanding of these historical epics. According to existing research, the Prakrit language and the Brahmi script emerged in this region, as evidenced by the ancient inscriptions found in the vicinity of modern Bhubaneswar, particularly at Dhauligiri Hill and Khandagiri-Udayagiri Hills.

Significance of the Findings

The discovery that the Brahmi signs and numbers originated from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the region of Odisha Central, has profound implications for our understanding of early Indian civilization. It corroborates numerous ancient texts and provides a geographical context for the spread of the Brahmi script and the Prakrit language.

Further Research and Implications

Further exploration of this area can provide additional insights into the development of early Indian scripts and languages. The study of inscriptions, archaeological findings, and linguistic analysis can help in tracing the evolution of these scripts from ancient times to their usage in modern languages.