Epigraphy is a primary tool of archaeology when dealing with literate cultures. The US Library of Congress classifies epigraphy as one of the auxiliary sciences of history. Epigraphy also helps identify a forgery: epigraphic evidence formed part of the discussion concerning the James Ossuary.

How many types of epigraphy are there?

These inscriptions are broadly divided into two categories viz., stone inscriptions and copper-plate inscriptions, while stone records are found literally in thousands in different parts, the copper- plates are naturally limited in number though quite a large number of them have been discovered in later periods.

Where are inscriptions found?

Inscriptions are the writings that are engraved on stones or are etched on metals in ancient times. They're mostly found in the southern parts of India and were found to engrave on copper plates, on the stones of the buildings etc., The study of inscriptions is called Epigraphy.