The Proto-Sharada Rock Inscription at Talang, Kotah Valley, Swat (Pakistan)

The article presents the updated preliminary results of the study on the Talang rock site (Swat Valley, Pakistan). The site with engravings, cup-marks and inscriptions in Proto-Śarada (c. 10th century CE) was discovered in 2005 and published in 2006 as an appendix to a long report in this same journal (Olivieri, Vidale et al. 2006). A short excavation campaign was also conducted at the site that year. In the 2006 report, however, the excavation report was not published, and nothing more than a preliminary transcription of the inscription was presented. The Italian Archaeological Mission continued to work at the site, producing a series of photographic documentation and conservation works over time. This year, finally, the preliminary study of the epigraphs was completed, thanks to both new documentation and an on-site survey.