The inscriptions of Asoka discovered in the area from the Hin dukush to Mysoie are a major evidence for the history of the Mauryas. Some of the edicts of Asoka are administrative records and others are religious proclamations. The language is the spoken language of the people and the script is Kharosthi for north-western India and Brahmi for the other parts of the country.
The post-Asokan inscriptions are of two kinds-public and private. The public inscriptions of post-Asokan era are further divided into two types-the prasasthis or eulogies and the land grants. The Prasasthis, though valuable as historical record, suffer at the same time from exaggeration and it is the duty of the students of history to screen out the truth from it. The land grants, which are innumerable, begin with the geneaology and achievements of the reigning king. These are of great value to the students of history.