Rare inscription discovered in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, August 28: A rare inscription dating back to the times of the Vijayanagar Kingdom was discovered at Kanchinadka near Padubidri in Udupi.

 

Prof. T. Murugeshi, the professor of archaeology at MSRS College in Shiva and renowned epigraphist said that the inscription belongs to the Sangama dynasty. The inscription refers to Bukka I, the successor of Harihara I, as Vira Bukkanoderu. The professor also said that the inspiration dates back to the Saka year 1293 or 1371 AD.

The Vijayanagar kings were known for their generosity toward Hindu mutts and temples. Prof. Murugeshi said that the inscription is a record of these generous donations. For instance, the royal grants given to the present Mahalingeshwara Temple of Padubidri is recorded in this inscription, which also makes a mention of funds granted to Chitravade, the present Chitrapadi near Saligrama, and Keramba and Kelaya, the present Keramaa and Kalaavi Guttu. The inscription also contains an invocation to Lord Shiva, 14 lines of which are in Kannada.

The tablet has been discovered by Dr. Y. N. Shetty, the medical superintendent of SDM Ayurveda College in Udupi, and Dr. B. Rajashekarappa, the renowned epigraphist.