An ancient Kannada inscription dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty has been discovered in Gangapuram, a temple town in Jadcherla mandal, Mahabubnagar district.
Observation by Archaeologist
E. Sivanagi Reddy, an archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, noticed the neglected state of the inscription during his visit to Chowdamma temple as part of the campaign ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’.
Details of the Inscription
- The inscription was issued on June 8, 1134 CE (Friday) by the Customs Officers of Tailapa-III, son of the Kalyana Chalukya Emperor ‘Bhulokamalla’ Someswara-III.
- It records the remission of income accrued through toll taxes called Vaddaravula and Hejjunka towards a perpetual lamp and incense of God Somanatha.
Efforts for Preservation
Dr. Reddy highlighted the historical significance of the inscription and advocated for its preservation to the Committee Members of Chowdamma temple.
Positive Response and Preservation Efforts
- The Temple committee members, along with a retired engineer, Gangapuram Kesava Prasad, responded positively.
- They decided to shift the inscription to the premises of Chowdamma temple and erect it on a pedestal with details.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When was the inscription discovered?
- A) 1134 CE
- B) 900 years ago
- C) June 8, 1134 CE
- D) During the reign of Bhulokamalla Someswara-III
- Answer: C) June 8, 1134 CE
- Who noticed the neglected state of the inscription?
- A) Gangapuram Kesava Prasad
- B) Temple Committee Members
- C) E. Sivanagi Reddy
- D) Archaeology department
- Answer: C) E. Sivanagi Reddy
- What does the inscription record?
- A) A list of temple committee members
- B) Remission of toll taxes for a temple
- C) Historical events of the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty
- D) Details of the surrounding temples
- Answer: B) Remission of toll taxes for a temple
- Who sensitized the Committee Members of Chowdamma temple about the inscription’s historical significance?
- A) Gangapuram Kesava Prasad
- B) Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy
- C) Archaeology department
- D) Tailapa-III
- Answer: B) Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy