Kundapur: Martyrs Tablot dating back to 13 to 14 century AD found at Kollur

By Pundalika Marate
Bellevision Media Network

Kundapur, 12 Feb 2015: A tablot of martyrs was found in the limits of Mookambika temple, Kollur, near here. It’s the second such find in the Udupi district so far. Its cube shaped with five featured units, rainbow shaped art lies on the top unit. The lower 3 units have art of war with blotted sculptures. The four martyred seated with crossed hands and they are being taken to heaven by the angels, as it’s depicted in sculpture. A heroic icon is seated on the top unit and the slain martyrs are seated on either side as it’s depicted in the sculpture.

 

 

The martyrs tablot dates back to middle ages in Karnataka, but its significant that its unique in its own way. Normally, the martyrs were sculptured either seated closed to the deity. Meanwhile its significant that the heroic icons are seated on either side of seat meant for martyrs that indicates they are not ordinary soldiers, either they are kings body guards. The tablot that was found in cashew plantation in Melhosoor, about 5 to 7 kilometers away from Kollur temple is placed in a platform made out of latertite stone as high as 6 to 7 feet.

 

On the basis of sculpture and style, the tablot can be ascertained to be installed in 13 to 14 century AD. It is about 3 feet in width and half feet thick, rises above 7 feet.

 

’I am thankful to junior engineer Murulidar Hegde of Kollur temple, who has brought to my notice to study further. It’s the significant find that would shed light on the cultural hierarchy of Kollur,’ said Professor T Murugeshi, ancient history and archaeology department of MSRS College, Shirva.