Epigraphy is an important source for the study of historical interactions between the South and Southeast Asian regions. The presence of south Indian scripts in Southeast Asia and the numerous references to Southeast Asia in South Indian inscriptions is lesser known. 

This workshop aims to:
(a) Familiarize participants with this aspect of history by tracing examples of Tamil scripts and inscriptions, situating the long presence of Tamils in the region
(b) Rejuvenate interest in the Tamil script through a demonstration of the evolution of the script and its form 
(c) Take participants on a journey of art in the IHC’s permanent galleries that reinforce this narrative of early contact between the two regions.