The Epigraphy Branch of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered the earliest Sanskrit inscription to have been discovered in South India as on date.
The discovery was made in Chebrolu village in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
It is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters and was issued by Satavahana king Vijaya in 207 A.D.
Until now the Nagarjunakonda inscription of Ikshavaku king Ehavala Chantamula issued in his 11th reignal year (4th century A.D.) was considered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in South India.
This significant finding is also the earliest epigraphic evidence for ‘Saptamatrika’ cult so far.
Saptamatrikas are a group of seven female deities worshipped in Hinduism as personifying the energy of their respective consorts.