Communication (Sampresana) in Ancient India

Human beings are blessed with the abilities to seek information, process to received data retain and un-required knowledge and also to retrieve it as and when required. In terms of information technology the human brain works more or less similar to a computer system. There is data feeding. Data processing, data storage and data retrieval. But in addition, the humans are also endowed with the technique and technology of communicating. All five sense organs receive and disseminate information. But mankind has invented and discovered additional and more efficient ways of communicating. Thousands of languages have evolved with scripts to write. The never ending inventive curiosity of mankind developed means of communicating with large numbers of people simultaneously. Inventions of printing press.

transmission of sound waves, dissemination of visuals, broadcast through satellite transmission, computers, internet and phones have enabled human race to not only to be inter connected but also become interdependent. The world has really become one Kutumba (family, clan).

Bharat has been pioneer in discovery and inventions from the ancient time in all fields including methods of communicating with the masses. All over the world the inscriptions of King Aśoka are considered to be the first attempts of the permanent communication between the Governance and the masses. During his time, messages of moral and ethical living along with the orders of the king were engraved on the rocks and cave shelters.

Prof. Deena Bandhu Pandey, a world renowned historian of Art and Culture, has examined all the discovered inscriptions of Aśoka and has discussed their communication potential. Perhaps this is the first kind of study that can mark the beginning of the process of mass communication.