JI
Aryan Culture
Jinamanjari
Vol. 12 · No. 02
Dr.
Dr. N. Mukunda Rao is a distinguished Indian epigraphist who served as the Chief Epigraphical Officer in the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, based in Hyderabad. He has made significant contributions to the field of epigraphy, archaeology, and numismatics, particularly in documenting and preserving ancient inscriptions across Andhra Pradesh. 🧾 Biography • Full Name: Dr. N. Mukunda Rao • Date of Birth: 1939 • Education: o Graduated from Hindu College, Guntur (1960), receiving academic excellence awards. o Postgraduate degree in History, Archaeology, Epigraphy, and Numismatics from Andhra University, Waltair (1962). • Career: o Joined the Epigraphy Branch of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in 1965. o Promoted to Chief Epigraphical Officer, overseeing extensive epigraphical surveys and documentation across the state. 📚 Academic Contributions Dr. Rao has authored and edited several pivotal works in the field of epigraphy: • Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh, Medak District (2001): A comprehensive compilation of inscriptions from the Medak district, co-edited with N.S. Ramachandra Murthy. • Three Grants from Rāgōlu (1982): An in-depth study of copper plate inscriptions from Rāgōlu, shedding light on historical land grants. • Kaḷiṅga under the Eastern Gaṅgas, ca. 900 A.D. to ca. 1200 A.D. (1991): An analysis of inscriptions from the Eastern Ganga dynasty period, focusing on the region's history and administration. • Simhachalam Temple Inscriptions (1987): Documenting the inscriptions found at the Simhachalam temple, providing insights into religious practices and political history. Additionally, he contributed to the publication of the Racchamari Grant of Vikramaditya I, detailing a significant copper plate inscription discovered in Kurnool district. 🏛️ Institutional Role As Chief Epigraphical Officer, Dr. Rao led the epigraphy section of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Andhra Pradesh, which was officially established on December 2, 1964. Under his leadership, the department conducted extensive village-wise surveys, collecting over 5,375 estampages (impressions) of inscriptions from various dynasties that ruled the Andhradesa. These efforts have been instrumental in reconstructing the region's history. 🕊️ Legacy Dr. Rao's meticulous work in epigraphy has preserved invaluable historical records, contributing significantly to the understanding of Andhra Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. His publications continue to serve as essential resources for scholars and researchers in the fields of archaeology and history.