What is the Difference Between Manuscript and Inscription?

The main difference between a manuscript and an inscription lies in the materials they are written on and the method of their creation. Here are the key differences:

• Manuscript: Manuscripts are handwritten records of the past, usually written on soft surfaces such as palm leaves, the bark of a tree, vellum, papyrus, or parchment. They are literary sources that provide information about past cultures, societies, lives, and traditions. Preservation of manuscripts can be difficult due to the materials they are written on, which may be prone to damage by insects or other factors.
• Inscription: Inscriptions, on the other hand, are engraved records of the past on hard surfaces such as stone, rock, or metal. They serve as both literary and archaeological sources, commemorating events, announcing land grants, or marking significant dates. Inscriptions are more durable and easier to preserve due to the hard surfaces they are engraved on.

In summary, manuscripts are handwritten on soft materials, while inscriptions are engraved on hard surfaces. Manuscripts provide literary sources of information, whereas inscriptions serve as both literary and archaeological sources.

Comparative Table: Manuscript vs Inscription

Here is a table highlighting the differences between manuscripts and inscriptions:

Manuscripts are handwritten or typewritten documents, usually written on surfaces like paper, vellum, papyrus, or parchment. They can be easily created and modified but require special care for preservation. On the other hand, inscriptions are texts carved on hard surfaces like rocks, stones, walls of caves, and pillars. They are more durable and require less effort for preservation, but they take more time and effort to create. Inscriptions are less likely to be modified due to the hard surfaces they are engraved on.