Epigraphy is a specialised branch of historical study that deals with the scientific reading and interpretation of which of the following sources of information?

Introduction / Context:
Historians use many different types of evidence to reconstruct the past, including inscriptions, coins, monuments, manuscripts, and oral traditions. Each type of evidence has its own specialised field of study. Epigraphy is one such field and is especially important for ancient and medieval history, where written records on stone or metal have survived for centuries. This question asks you to identify which type of source epigraphy focuses on.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The term given is epigraphy.
- The options include coins, inscriptions, temples, and birds.
- We assume standard definitions from history and archaeology used in exam preparation.

Concept / Approach:
Epigraphy comes from the Greek words “epi” (on) and “graphein” (to write), literally meaning “writing on” a surface. It deals with inscriptions, which are texts carved, engraved, or otherwise fixed on durable materials like stone, metal, pottery, or wood. Epigraphists study the script, language, style, and content of inscriptions to learn about political events, royal decrees, religious practices, social customs, and more. Numismatics is the separate study of coins, archaeology covers material remains broadly including temples, and ornithology is the study of birds. Therefore, epigraphy is specifically the study of inscriptions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break down the word epigraphy into its roots “epi” and “graph,” suggesting writing on surfaces. Step 2: Recall that inscriptions are texts engraved or carved on stone pillars, temple walls, metal plates, and other hard materials. Step 3: Recognise that epigraphists decode these inscriptions to understand dates, names of rulers, laws, and events. Step 4: Differentiate epigraphy from numismatics (study of coins), architecture (study of buildings and temples), and ornithology (study of birds). Step 5: Choose inscriptions as the correct answer for what epigraphy studies.

Verification / Alternative check:
History and archaeology textbooks define epigraphy as the study of inscriptions and often pair it with numismatics (study of coins) as two important auxiliary disciplines for reconstructing ancient history. Examples include Ashokan rock edicts and pillar edicts, copper plate grants, and temple inscriptions, all of which are studied under epigraphy. Coins, while sometimes bearing inscriptions, fall mainly under numismatics, and birds or temple architecture belong to different branches of science and art history. These distinctions confirm that inscriptions are the focus of epigraphy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Coins, their inscriptions and metal content, are primarily studied under numismatics, which is a separate branch from epigraphy, though the two can complement each other.
Temples, including their architecture and religious significance, are studied in art history, archaeology, and religious studies rather than under epigraphy alone.
Birds, including their classification and behaviour, form the subject matter of ornithology, a branch of zoology, not epigraphy.

Common Pitfalls:
Because coins often bear small inscriptions, students sometimes confuse epigraphy with numismatics. However, epigraphy is broader and deals with all kinds of inscriptions, especially on stone and metal plates, while numismatics focuses on coins as objects of study. A helpful hint is to remember that “epi” plus “graph” suggests writing on surfaces, which directly points to inscriptions. Keeping this clear separation in mind will help you choose the correct option in questions about historical research methods.

Final Answer:
Epigraphy is the study of Inscriptions, writings engraved on stone, metal, or other durable materials.