Use of Seals and Written Documentation in Mauryan and Gupta Periods

The use of seals and written documentation was fundamental to the administrative and legal functioning of both the Mauryan and Gupta Empires, serving to authenticate records, manage state property, and enforce centralized authority.

Mauryan Period Seals

• Administrative Authentication: Mauryan seals, often made of terracotta, copper, or ivory, were used by officials to authenticate official documents and prevent tampering.
• Mark of Authority: Some seals featured royal symbols or inscriptions in the Brahmi script, indicating their role in validating official mandates related to governance and taxation.
• Merchant Seals: While less prominent than later periods, there is evidence that seals were also used in trade ....