Tuluva history gets richer with another find
Bellevision Media Network
Udupi, 22 January 2011: After the discovery of an 800-year-old temple remains in Udupi town a couple of days ago, epigraphist Prof Murugeshi and his team made another important discovery on Tuesday. The inscription belongs to the 15th century Sangama dynasty of Vijayanagar empire. It was discovered at Rattadi, a small village near Kundapura.
Murugeshi, senior faculty of ancient history and archaeology, M S R S College, Shirva, said the stone has been brought to his notice for further study. The top of the inscription has a horseshoe and a standing Nandi, Linga with Prabhavali, a lamp, a seated man with the Sun and Moon from left to right respectively in bas relief. Written in Kannada script, the inscription mentions the Saka era.
Murugeshi says that the inscription has great significance in the study of the Vijayanagar empire as well as Tuluva history of the period. The record also mentions Sangama Emperor Devaraya I with his royal titles like Raajaadhiraaja Raaja Parameshwara, Bhasege Tappuva Raayara Ganda Praudha Devaraya Odeyaru. When Devaraya I was the emperor of the Vijayanagar empire, his officer Bhachanna Odeya appears to have defeated and subdued a ruler inKabasanaala durga.
Speaking to The Times of India, Murugeshi said the inscription begins with an invocation of Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Bringinatha. It was dated in Saka circa 1330, sarvadhari savtsara, sravana bahul, 12. Sunday, which corresponds to AD 1408 precisely.
Murugeshi says historical evidence do suggest that Bhachanna Odeya, who had defeated the subordiante ruler might be from Tulunadu and the place Kabasanaala durga must also be in Tulunadu, presently known by a different name.
- TNN