European Scholars Launch New Research Project on Proto-Saradic Writing
Two European scholars, Professor Catherine Holtz from the University of Würzburg and Ingo Strauch from the University of Lausanne, have launched a new research project on the study of Proto-Saradic writing, which was used in India from the 6th to the 10th centuries AD. This project aims to reconstruct the historical context of these early medieval texts, which are important for understanding social, cultural, and economic changes in the region.
The initiative is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF). The scholars plan to create a complete edition of texts written in Proto-Saradic script, which is a rare example on paper, birch bark, and clay media.
Catherine Holtz and Ingo Strauch have already begun analyzing a private collection of historical documents, including 35 folders, 43 large and 205 small birch bark scrolls, and 203 clay seals. These materials, preserved in the tropical climate of South Asia, are invaluable sources for reconstructing the history of the region.
In the fall of 2024, the research group plans to visit Pakistan for further research and collaboration with local archaeologists and history experts.
This project opens up new opportunities for understanding the transitional period in the history of South Asia and the influence of various cultural and religious influences on society.
