In the study of ancient Indian epigraphy, who is credited with successfully deciphering both the Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts used in early inscriptions?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the field of epigraphy, which studies inscriptions and ancient scripts. Many early Indian inscriptions are written in Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts. Deciphering these scripts was crucial for reconstructing India's early history, especially the Mauryan period and later. The question asks which scholar is credited with this important achievement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on deciphering both Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts.
• Options given are Piyadassi, Colin Mackenzie, Alexander Cunningham and James Prinsep.

Concept / Approach:
James Prinsep, a British scholar associated with the Asiatic Society of Bengal, is widely credited with deciphering the Brahmi script in the 1830s and making significant progress on Kharoshthi as well. This breakthrough allowed historians to read Ashokan inscriptions and other early records. Colin Mackenzie was an early surveyor and collector of manuscripts but did not perform this decipherment. Alexander Cunningham is known as the father of the Archaeological Survey of India, coming later. Piyadassi is a title used for Ashoka in his own inscriptions, not a modern scholar. Therefore, the correct approach is to identify James Prinsep as the person who deciphered Brahmi and Kharoshthi.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Brahmi was the script of Ashokan inscriptions and early Indian records. Step 2: Remember that James Prinsep worked systematically with inscriptional evidence and bilingual coins. Step 3: Note that Prinsep's work in the 1830s led to the decipherment of Brahmi and progress with Kharoshthi. Step 4: Recognize that Piyadassi is actually a name or epithet used by Ashoka for himself and not a modern scholar. Step 5: Select James Prinsep as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history textbooks and epigraphy references clearly state that James Prinsep decoded the Brahmi script using inscriptional patterns and cross comparisons. This allowed later scholars including Alexander Cunningham to build on his work and explore archaeological sites more effectively. Colin Mackenzie is associated with surveys and manuscript collection but not script decipherment. This cross comparison of roles confirms that James Prinsep is the only correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Piyadassi: This is a royal epithet meaning seeing clearly, used by Ashoka in his inscriptions and not a modern epigraphist.
Colin Mackenzie: An important surveyor in South India and collector of manuscripts, but he did not decipher Brahmi and Kharoshthi.
Alexander Cunningham: Founder of the Archaeological Survey of India and a later archaeologist who built on Prinsep's breakthrough rather than making it himself.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Cunningham's role as a pioneering archaeologist with Prinsep's more specialised work in deciphering scripts. Others may not realise that Piyadassi is a title from the inscriptions themselves and not a scholar. To avoid confusion, remember the simple association: Prinsep equals script decipherment, Cunningham equals archaeological survey and Ashoka uses Piyadassi as his own title in the inscriptions Prinsep decoded.

Final Answer:
The scholar who deciphered both Brahmi and Kharoshthi scripts is James Prinsep.