What do you think?
Rate this book
Stories From Inscriptions: Profound Real-life Tales from Hindu Cultural History
STORIES FROM INSCRIPTIONS is a collection of 15 real-life episodes drawn from Hindu inscriptions and grants spread across several centuries beginning roughly from the 9th century CE up to the 17th century CE. The stories contained in this book span a vast and diverse geography of India including but not limited to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.The study of Hindu inscriptions is an invitation to profundity. Indian inscriptions are the concrete and lived epitomes of Dionysius’s classic dictum that history is philosophy teaching by examples. From this perspective, the undateable roots of Indian civilisation derive their sustenance from a spiritual philosophy that transcends time but has merely changed form when it has operated in the realm of space. Our inscriptions from the most ancient times reflect precisely this change in form.
The undertone of this book is value and culture, and historical facts contained in these inscriptions provide the spatiotemporal context in which these values unfurl themselves through the profound lives and noble deeds of our ancestors.
This book is primarily meant for a general audience and is written in the style of popular narrative history. The purpose is to introduce various aspects of Bharatavarsha’s long, eventful, and often tragic history as narrated by her kings and ministers, businessmen and Bhaktas, and bards and warriors in their own words through the medium of inscriptions. In a limited sense, the stories in this book can be regarded as appetisers for a multi-course feast which it is hoped, will only increase hunger and not satiate it.
The undertone of this book is value and culture, and historical facts contained in these inscriptions provide the spatiotemporal context in which these values unfurl themselves through the profound lives and noble deeds of our ancestors.
This book is primarily meant for a general audience and is written in the style of popular narrative history. The purpose is to introduce various aspects of Bharatavarsha’s long, eventful, and often tragic history as narrated by her kings and ministers, businessmen and Bhaktas, and bards and warriors in their own words through the medium of inscriptions. In a limited sense, the stories in this book can be regarded as appetisers for a multi-course feast which it is hoped, will only increase hunger and not satiate it.
- GenresHistory
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
56 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Sandeep Balakrishna
20 books82 followersSandeep Balakrishna is a veteran writer, author, editor, speaker and independent researcher with about 20 years of writing on Indian history, culture, literature and temples. During this period, he has authored over 900 articles, essays, critiques, academic papers and delivered lectures on numerous topics related to these themes at institutions like the Indian Council of Philosophical Research, IIM Bangalore, Sri Aurobindo Society, Shree Somanath Sanskrit University, Bangalore University and Amrita University, to name a few. He writes in both English and Kannada. His articles, columns and research papers have appeared in prestigious journals, newspapers and magazines in both print and digital format. Sandeep is the author of the bestselling books Tipu Sultan: The Tyrant of Mysore, which has been widely referenced and quoted in mainstream publications and television programmes, and Madurai Sultanate: A Concise History. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed work, 70 Years of Secularism: Unpopular Essays on the Unofficial Political Religion of India. He has also translated the legendary Kannada novelist Dr S.L. Bhyrappa’s critically acclaimed work Aavarana into English, as Aavarana: The Veil, which is now in its twelfth reprint. Sandeep is the founder and editor of The Dharma Dispatch, an online journal dedicated to Indian civilisation, culture and history, and a contributing editor at Prekshaa Journal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 25, 2023
This was a book which I was eagerly waiting for & resisted the temptation of reading on Kindle. The author is quite well known and his previous works were highly appreciated. The book starts off with a clear note on Epigraphy, the importance of this field & implications in the modern society. As one reads through the initial pages, one can’t help but marvel at the immense contribution of Mysore Wodeyars in multiple fields such as literature, history, but also epigraphy, to unravel the past for the current & future generations.
The contemptuous attitude of European epigraphists is quite clear from some the statements quoted by the author. However, the clear contrast with the Indian epigraphists for whom the work is reverential & a connect to the glorious past is also highlighted in the same vein. Author’s references to DVG and S.L.Bhyrappa’s works are on expected lines. However, the author tries to draw the attention of the readers to the seminal works of Dr. S. Srikanta Sastri, one of the finest experts in this area. It wouldn’t be surprising if there are some new readers of the works of Dr. SSS. One of the profound statements from Dr. SSS’ work: Every epigraphist must be an artist. Towards the end of the introductory part, the author provides some informative references in R. Narasimhacharya’s Sasanapadyamanjari & D. C. Sircar’s encyclopaedic work.
As one reads through one chapter after another, we are exposed to new information, which is thoroughly enriching & quite frankly inspirational. One point that catches the eye is about the extraordinary eloquence of the people who wrote these sasanas. The description is really spell binding and enriching with great depth, while retaining a simple language to comprehend. I am confident that some will appeal a lot more to the reader as compared to others. Personally for me, Kunjambi Setti, Hebbale, Choradi / Sorade, the interesting story of Moodevi, the Mangalna step wells & the extraordinary story of Dhangadeva are favourites.
Across all the stories, there are 2 interesting features that stand out. First is the taxation aspect. The rationale of taxation, the type of taxation & subsequent benefits to the common populace is a great inspiration. Overall, a thoroughly informative & enriching book. Secondly, the concept of local or village administration with meticulous record keeping and administration is a great example that could be imbibed at various levels in the society.
The quality of production of the book is really top-notch / world-class. From the cover page to the illustrations to the pages, it’s a readers’ delight to hold such a book. The publishers should be lauded for bring out such a fine quality book out.
While the author’s research and in-depth knowledge on the topic are inspirational, the historical past can’t be judged in the hindsight with a modern lens. While the need of the hour could very well a social emergence or rather a resurgence or connect with our glorious past, the same should be made appealing to a wider populace, than repeating known strong opinions. In my view, some of these aspects could have been best avoided. If one can overlook this minor aspect, this book is an awesome collection of articles which are quite informative & educational.
In short, this book is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ. I would also recommend the readers to read Dr. R. Nagaswamy’s “Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society” which is a great continuation on the topic on Epigraphy.
The contemptuous attitude of European epigraphists is quite clear from some the statements quoted by the author. However, the clear contrast with the Indian epigraphists for whom the work is reverential & a connect to the glorious past is also highlighted in the same vein. Author’s references to DVG and S.L.Bhyrappa’s works are on expected lines. However, the author tries to draw the attention of the readers to the seminal works of Dr. S. Srikanta Sastri, one of the finest experts in this area. It wouldn’t be surprising if there are some new readers of the works of Dr. SSS. One of the profound statements from Dr. SSS’ work: Every epigraphist must be an artist. Towards the end of the introductory part, the author provides some informative references in R. Narasimhacharya’s Sasanapadyamanjari & D. C. Sircar’s encyclopaedic work.
As one reads through one chapter after another, we are exposed to new information, which is thoroughly enriching & quite frankly inspirational. One point that catches the eye is about the extraordinary eloquence of the people who wrote these sasanas. The description is really spell binding and enriching with great depth, while retaining a simple language to comprehend. I am confident that some will appeal a lot more to the reader as compared to others. Personally for me, Kunjambi Setti, Hebbale, Choradi / Sorade, the interesting story of Moodevi, the Mangalna step wells & the extraordinary story of Dhangadeva are favourites.
Across all the stories, there are 2 interesting features that stand out. First is the taxation aspect. The rationale of taxation, the type of taxation & subsequent benefits to the common populace is a great inspiration. Overall, a thoroughly informative & enriching book. Secondly, the concept of local or village administration with meticulous record keeping and administration is a great example that could be imbibed at various levels in the society.
The quality of production of the book is really top-notch / world-class. From the cover page to the illustrations to the pages, it’s a readers’ delight to hold such a book. The publishers should be lauded for bring out such a fine quality book out.
While the author’s research and in-depth knowledge on the topic are inspirational, the historical past can’t be judged in the hindsight with a modern lens. While the need of the hour could very well a social emergence or rather a resurgence or connect with our glorious past, the same should be made appealing to a wider populace, than repeating known strong opinions. In my view, some of these aspects could have been best avoided. If one can overlook this minor aspect, this book is an awesome collection of articles which are quite informative & educational.
In short, this book is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ. I would also recommend the readers to read Dr. R. Nagaswamy’s “Studies in Ancient Tamil Law and Society” which is a great continuation on the topic on Epigraphy.
September 26, 2023
To Purvada Maryade(ಪೂರ್ವದ ಮರ್ಯಾದೆ)
Meaning moral’s inherited from the past.
Inscriptions paved way for newer discoveries of Ancient Hindu way of life. This was at the time when Mleecha Colonials were barking in a high pitched voice that Hindus of India never had the sense of history.
Where should I start to speak about this book.
Stories of Inscriptions the name itself specifies it is indeed Ithihasa(History) that has happened in the past.
15 gritting tales of Cultures, Morals, Hindu Jurisprudence (Law) that existed and Bhakti.
Bharat as it is was woven via different cultures, languages,Janapada(Folklore)and most importantly Dharmashastra.
You know there was a Turushka Danda meaning Taxes levied to meet the expense for maintaining a permanent defence system to deter recurring Muslim invasions.
There are many such stories of past in this book.which the successors of colonial power in so called independent India have ignored and abandoned it for decades.
Modern Hindus might brush it off as Nonsense but this institutional memory is a good example of our civilisational existence from back to back invasions, pervasions and what not.
An important book. Sandeep Balakrishna is not just Fun to read also an excellent writer on Dharmic topics too.
Meaning moral’s inherited from the past.
Inscriptions paved way for newer discoveries of Ancient Hindu way of life. This was at the time when Mleecha Colonials were barking in a high pitched voice that Hindus of India never had the sense of history.
Where should I start to speak about this book.
Stories of Inscriptions the name itself specifies it is indeed Ithihasa(History) that has happened in the past.
15 gritting tales of Cultures, Morals, Hindu Jurisprudence (Law) that existed and Bhakti.
Bharat as it is was woven via different cultures, languages,Janapada(Folklore)and most importantly Dharmashastra.
You know there was a Turushka Danda meaning Taxes levied to meet the expense for maintaining a permanent defence system to deter recurring Muslim invasions.
There are many such stories of past in this book.which the successors of colonial power in so called independent India have ignored and abandoned it for decades.
Modern Hindus might brush it off as Nonsense but this institutional memory is a good example of our civilisational existence from back to back invasions, pervasions and what not.
An important book. Sandeep Balakrishna is not just Fun to read also an excellent writer on Dharmic topics too.
April 13, 2025
Sandeep ji has done it again. excellent information in a short and sweet book.
A must read for all those who wish to understand what our shilashaasanas, stone inscriptions say. Palm leaves upto today's magical magnetic optical storage devices are all temporary. But these shilashasanas are permanent as long as the sun and moon exist, as these proclaim.
These exhibit the unbroken continuity of culture dharma across the geography of the subcontinent of bhArata. Thanks to Sandeep ji. My humble pranaams to your golden contribution of bringing such gems to light. Epigraphy is usually looked upon as dull subject. but this book linking it with the history, culture and the most important phrase Poorva maryade makes all the difference, to show the cultural connectivity across whole of India.
A must read for all those who wish to understand what our shilashaasanas, stone inscriptions say. Palm leaves upto today's magical magnetic optical storage devices are all temporary. But these shilashasanas are permanent as long as the sun and moon exist, as these proclaim.
These exhibit the unbroken continuity of culture dharma across the geography of the subcontinent of bhArata. Thanks to Sandeep ji. My humble pranaams to your golden contribution of bringing such gems to light. Epigraphy is usually looked upon as dull subject. but this book linking it with the history, culture and the most important phrase Poorva maryade makes all the difference, to show the cultural connectivity across whole of India.
March 13, 2025
This a wonderful, one of a kind book. I never even imagined that I would enjoy a book of epighraphs. The author has curated epigraphs and knit wonderful stories centred around different themes. These themes are listed in the beginning of every chapter. The themes in respective chapters highlight the epighraphs across the length and Breadth of Bharat. The stories also give the link to the peoples and practices of today which make them all relatable.
My only nitpick would be that the lamentations of the author about the distortion of history, however justified, takes away the immersion of the reader.
My only nitpick would be that the lamentations of the author about the distortion of history, however justified, takes away the immersion of the reader.
June 26, 2024
A very interesting read. I have long wanted to know what the stone inscriptions meant and there has been a dearth of non-academic resources on this topic. Thankfully, the author is serving a much needed bridge between the academic circles and vernacular history and gives a commoner like me a glimpse into proper history with no conjenctures.
An excellent effort. 5 Stars. Please buy first hand.
An excellent effort. 5 Stars. Please buy first hand.
August 24, 2023
It was a good read!
This book has all the knowledge that we missed studying in our history books!
From now on I will surely make it a point to atleast go through the inscriptions on the walls of the temples when I visit one.
Sandeep balakrishnan has truly made this book a worthy read. Thank you
This book has all the knowledge that we missed studying in our history books!
From now on I will surely make it a point to atleast go through the inscriptions on the walls of the temples when I visit one.
Sandeep balakrishnan has truly made this book a worthy read. Thank you
June 30, 2024
For a history lover, this is an eye-opening book into an Indian way of life. What makes this book special? Well, the book tells stories from inscriptions!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews