In ancient India, which script was written from right to left, unlike most other major Indian scripts that were written from left to right?

Introduction / Context:
Scripts used to write Indian languages have varied over time and region. Most classical Indian scripts such as Brahmi and its descendants are written from left to right. However, there was at least one important ancient script used in north western India that followed the opposite direction and was written from right to left. Questions on this topic appear frequently in examinations dealing with ancient Indian history, epigraphy and general knowledge. This question asks you to identify that distinctive script.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on scripts of ancient India.
• We must find the one script that was written from right to left.
• Options list Brahmi, Kharosthi, Nandinagari, Sharada and Gupta script.
• We assume the standard classification taught in history and archaeology courses.

Concept / Approach:
Kharosthi script was used in the north western regions of the Indian subcontinent, particularly in areas influenced by Iranian and Central Asian cultures. It was adapted from the Aramaic script and therefore followed the right to left writing direction, similar to scripts like Arabic and Persian. Brahmi and most of its derivatives, including Gupta, Nandinagari and Sharada, are written from left to right. The correct approach is to identify Kharosthi as the only script in the options with this right to left characteristic in the ancient Indian context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Brahmi and its descendant scripts, which include many modern Indian scripts, are written from left to right. Step 2: Remember that Kharosthi developed in the north west under foreign influence and was written from right to left. Step 3: Note that Nandinagari and Sharada are later regional scripts derived from Brahmi and share its left to right direction. Step 4: Recognise that Gupta script is another Brahmi derived script and therefore also left to right. Step 5: Conclude that Kharosthi is the only correct option that matches the required writing direction.

Verification / Alternative check:
Epigraphic studies clearly state that many Ashokan inscriptions are in Brahmi, while some in the north west use Kharosthi. Archaeologists and epigraphists always describe Kharosthi as right to left. Maps showing distribution of Asokan edicts often indicate these two scripts separately, with direction arrows. This clear and consistent information in academic and exam oriented materials confirms that Kharosthi is the script you must choose when the question mentions a right to left ancient Indian script.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A: Brahmi is the main left to right script from which many modern Indian scripts descended.
• Option C: Nandinagari is a later derivative used mainly in the Deccan and is written from left to right.
• Option D: Sharada script, used in Kashmir and nearby areas, is also left to right.
• Option E: Gupta script is another Brahmi based script used in Gupta period inscriptions and is not right to left.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Kharosthi with Brahmi because both appear together in discussions on Asokan inscriptions. Under exam pressure, they may forget the key detail about writing direction. To avoid this, keep a simple association in mind: Brahmi spreads across most of India and is left to right, while Kharosthi is restricted to the north west and is right to left. Visualising a map with arrows can help you quickly remember this difference during tests.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Kharosthi.