Sankha Lipi ("shell-script") inscriptions along passageway, Udayagiri Caves, Vidisha, India
Sankha Lipi is a term used by scholars to describe presently undeciphered ornate spiral characters assumed to be Brahmi derivative that resemble conch shells (shankhas). The Udayagiri Caves, one of India's most important archaeological sites, are twenty rock-cut caves in Madhya Pradesh, about 57 km from Bhopal, dating from the 5th century CE. They are notable for their ancient iconography of Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaktism (Durga & Matrikas) and Shaivism (Shiva). Udayagiri contains the largest deposit of these 5th century CE inscriptions which may be the names of ascetics or visitors.
Size: 4160px × 3120px
Location: India
Photo credit: © positivesoundvision / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
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