What type of source is an inscription carved on stone?

An inscription carved on stone is an archaeological primary source. It provides direct evidence from the time it was created, often commemorating royal orders, victories, religious dedications, or public works. Inscriptions are durable and thus preserve authentic information about rulers, administration, language, and social life. For example, Emperor Ashoka’s rock and pillar edicts, inscribed in Prakrit and Greek, reveal his policies of Dhamma and governance. These sources are invaluable for historians because they are contemporary records that cannot easily be altered or misinterpreted, giving a clear and factual picture of historical periods.