Ancient Badami Chalukya Temples and Inscription Unearthed in Mudimanikyam Village

Discovery Overview:

• Location: Mudimanikyam village, Nalgonda district, along the banks of Krishna river.
• Discoveries:
  • Two Badami Chalukya temples.
  • 1,200-year-old label inscription.
• Dates:
  • Temples: Between 543 AD and 750 AD.
  • Inscription: 8th or 9th century AD.

Architectural Significance:

• Style: Kadamba Nagara style in the Rekha Nagara format.
• Uniqueness: Singular example of such architecture in Telangana.
• Restoration Potential: Can serve as important testimonies to the Badami Chalukya period with minimal restoration.

Dr. MA Srinivasan’s Perspective:

• Position: General Secretary of PRIHAH.
• Significance: Highlights the rarity and historical value of the temples.
• Comparison: Mentions few surviving Badami Chalukya temples at Alampur.

Dr. Munirathnam Reddy’s Observations:

• Position: Director of epigraphy at the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Interpretation: Suggests potential meaning of the label inscription.
• Attribution: Associates the Panchakuta temples with the late Badami Chalukya period.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Where were the ancient temples and inscription recently discovered?
   • A) Hampi
   • B) Mudimanikyam village
   • C) Alampur
   • D) Badami
   Answer: B) Mudimanikyam village
2. What is the architectural style of the discovered temples?
   • A) Dravidian style
   • B) Kadamba Nagara style
   • C) Vesara style
   • D) Pallava style
   Answer: B) Kadamba Nagara style
3. Who suggested the potential meaning of the label inscription?
   • A) Dr. MA Srinivasan
   • B) S Ashok Kumar
   • C) Dr. Munirathnam Reddy
   • D) Archaeological Survey of India
   Answer: C) Dr. Munirathnam Reddy
4. Which period do the temples and inscription belong to?
   • A) Gupta Empire
   • B) Maurya Dynasty
   • C) Badami Chalukya period
   • D) Rashtrakuta Empire
   Answer: C) Badami Chalukya period