Kashmir Inscriptions

Inscriptions mean epigraphs, the engraved writings and its study means Epigraphy. It is the science of identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers. Specifically excluded from epigraphy are the historical significance of the epigraph as a document and the artistic value of a literary composition. Obviously the task of study of inscriptions in Kashmir has already been taken up at the individual level and numbers of inscriptions of Sharda characters have already been documented. There is a sufficient documentation of number of Sharda inscriptions done in the book, The corps of Sharda Inscription in Kashmir by Dr B K Kaul Deambi. Most of Sharda inscriptions found in Jammu and Kashmir State have already been deciphered and documented in this book.
But unfortunately the inscriptions found in Arabic and Persian alphabet are not only poorly maintained but still unidentified and undocumented. This is our written history which either has been embossed or engraved on the tomb stones, terracotta tiles, walls, doors and ancient coins. There are very few inscriptions which have found their place in the states museums while rest are quite unpreserved on the shrine walls, doors, temples and in the historical mazaars of Kashmir.
The stone inscriptions found in several old mazaars are highly dilapidated and there is no one who could take care of these inscriptions. This is our written history which needs to be preserved and documented for the generations to come.
"Kashmir inscriptions" by Iqbal Ahmad is the first documentation of Persian and Arabic inscriptions found in Kashmir. It is the first time when epigraphic study has shifted from Sharda to Persian and Arabic inscriptions. The inscriptions found on Kashmir walls, Doors, Shrines and Royal Graveyards are documented in this monumental book.

Iqbal Ahmad belongs to a reputed Peerzada family of South Kashmir. He is born in village Parigam, Check Kulgam, on May 23, 1962. He had his basic education from his local Government School; he joined the Government higher secondary institute Kulgam in 1979 and later Degree Collage Anantnag. After graduating in Arts from Kashmir University in 1983, he did his Post Graduate Diploma in Numismatics in year 1992 from Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies Nasik, Maharashtra (India). He got training in archaeology, paleography and Epigraphy from institute of Archaeology Red Fort Delhi and did many workshops on archaeology conservation. He is also working in the Jammu and Kashmir state Archives, Archaeology and Museums and presently posted in SPS Museum at Lal Mandi, Srinagar Kashmir.
Professionally, he is a Senior Archaeologist and Author. He started his writing career in 1985 while contributing articles to various. newspapers and journals. He has made several Archaeological and Numismatic discoveries. The Author has written number of books and research papers on Kashmir Archaeology, heritage and culture. Archaeology is his favorite field of Research wherein he has undertaken the scientific study of archaeological sites and materials. He has achieved great fame and name in the field of Archaeology researches.