One of these has been found in the form of a copper plate weighing more than 3 kilograms and estimated to be close to 2,000 years old at an archaeologically important site, Malhar, in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. The artefact was found in a domestic home, as part of the continuing Gyan Bharatam program, that seeks to locate and conserve historical documents and ancient texts.
The most striking fact about this discovery is that there are inscriptions in the old Brahmi script and the Pali language. One of the oldest writing systems used in India is Brahmi which was popular since the Mauryan period, and Pali is closely related with the Buddhist literature and teachings. The two combined greatly increase the historical and religious significance of the discovery.
Researchers are of the opinion that these copper plates were employed as official documents in ancient times and were mostly used to record land grants, royal decrees or religious proclamations. The inscriptions might provide a very important scientific analysis and translation that would provide much insight into the socio-political organization, governmental systems, and cultural activities of the times.
The identification has attracted the attention of historians and archeologists since it illuminates the rich history of the Malhar region. It also mentions the success of the Gyan Bharatam campaign, backed by the Ministry of Culture, which urges people in villages to conserve and distribute old manuscripts and artefacts.
To preserve the copper plate to the future generations, authorities are currently planning additional research and computerizing the plate.