The hidden history revealed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) showcases the profound influence ancient India had on Vietnam and Nepal through Sanskrit inscriptions dating between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE. ASI’s epigraphy division, led by K Muniratnam Reddy, unveiled two significant inscriptions that provide fascinating insights into the cultural and geopolitical ties of ancient India in Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region.

The first inscription, discovered on a ring in southern Vietnam dating back to the 3rd century CE, bears the Sanskrit words “Jeshthamitrasya” in Brahmi characters, indicating ownership by an individual named Jeshthamitra. Reddy highlighted the importance of this inscription, emphasizing India’s cultural influence evidenced by the use of the Brahmi script, which originated in India and laid the foundation for many scripts in use throughout India and Southeast Asia. The decoding of this ring was made possible through the efforts of Shiv Pratap Singh from Rajasthan.

In Nepal, the second inscription found at Mahadevtar village in the Sindhupalchok district and dating to the 6th century CE, starts with an invocation to Lord Shiva. The inscription, penned in Sanskrit with late Brahmi characters, mentions Bhimagupta and his son Devagupta, assumed to be part of the Lichhavi dynasty. Though partially damaged, the text appears to commemorate Devagupta’s installation of the Shivling in honor of his parents. Professor Diwakar Acharya from the University of Oxford facilitated the deciphering of this inscription.

Reddy further emphasized the significance of these discoveries in highlighting India’s historical and spiritual connections with neighboring regions and Southeast Asia. These findings illuminate the far-reaching influence of Indian scripts and religious traditions, underscoring the rich tapestry of cultural exchange that characterized ancient interactions between India, Vietnam, and Nepal.

In conclusion, ASI’s groundbreaking work in decoding these Sanskrit inscriptions offers a compelling narrative of India’s lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Vietnam and Nepal during antiquity. These inscriptions not only serve as historical artifacts but also serve as testaments to the enduring legacy of India’s cultural and spiritual connectivity with its neighboring regions.