A significant archaeological find has been made during the renovation of the Kalleshwar temple in Elehole village, Harihara taluk, Davanagere district. A 13th-century stone inscription, also known as a Veeragallu (hero stone), was uncovered, providing a valuable glimpse into the region’s historical and cultural heritage.
Historical Significance of the Stone Inscription
The stone inscription dates back to 1283 AD and is associated with the Sevuna dynasty, also referred to as the Devagiri Yadavas. It reveals important information about the heroism of local defenders and their connection to the royal Sevuna family.
Description of the Inscription
- Material and Size: The inscription is carved from charcoal stone, measuring 4 feet in length and 2.5 feet in width.
- Content: It contains a five-line inscription honoring Ramachandra Chakravarti, a key ruler of the Sevuna dynasty. He was titled Yadava Narayana Bhujbala Praudhapratapa Chakravarti, signifying his military prowess and prominence.
Depictions on the Stone
Archaeologist K Ravi Kumar provided a detailed interpretation of the stone’s carvings:
- Lower Section: The carvings depict a battle scene featuring Bhoja Narayana and Vambhava, two brothers, who are shown defending cattle. One brother is seen beheading an enemy, symbolizing their bravery in battle.
- Central Section: This portion of the stone represents the brothers’ journey to Kailasa (the divine abode of Lord Shiva). Celestial nymphs lift a vimana (chariot) as musicians celebrate their valor.
- Top Section: At the top, the brothers are depicted in Anjalimudra (a reverence pose), worshipping a Shivalinga. The background shows the sun and moon, symbolizing the eternal fame of these heroes.
Historical Context of the Sevuna Dynasty
The Sevunas were a Kannada-speaking dynasty that ruled over parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra. Initially, they served as vassals of the Kalyana Chalukyas but gained independence in the 12th century. Ramachandra Chakravarti, who reigned from 1271 to 1312 AD, was a prominent ruler known for his military victories and cultural contributions, including the construction of the Lakshmi Narayan temple near the Harihareshwar temple.
Archaeological Importance
The discovery of this stone inscription has offered insights into the political and cultural dynamics of the late 13th century. It highlights the influence of the Devagiri Yadavas and the heroism of local defenders. The Kalleshwar temple continues to be a site of significant archaeological interest.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- In which village was the 13th-century stone inscription uncovered?
a) Harihara
b) Elehole
c) Devagiri
d) Davanagere
Answer: b) Elehole - What is the inscription commonly referred to as?
a) Shivalinga
b) Vimala
c) Veeragallu
d) Kailasa
Answer: c) Veeragallu - Who was the prominent ruler mentioned in the inscription?
a) Bhoja Narayana
b) Ramachandra Chakravarti
c) Harihara
d) Vambhava
Answer: b) Ramachandra Chakravarti - What does the top section of the stone depict?
a) Battle scenes
b) Worshipping a Shivalinga
c) Cattle defense
d) Journey to Kailasa
Answer: b) Worshipping a Shivalinga - Which dynasty does the stone inscription relate to?
a) Kalyana Chalukyas
b) Sevuna dynasty
c) Vijayanagara Empire
d) Maurya Empire
Answer: b) Sevuna dynasty - During which period did Ramachandra Chakravarti rule?
a) 1271 to 1312 AD
b) 1200 to 1230 AD
c) 1300 to 1350 AD
d) 1150 to 1180 AD
Answer: a) 1271 to 1312 AD