Ancient Artefacts Unearthed in Kodagu Shed New Light on Region’s Rich History
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Madikeri: Two significant archaeological discoveries in Kodagu district a rare ‘Kurma Karandaka’ unearthed beneath a temple idol in Yavakapadi and a centuries-old Masti Veeragallu found in the Harangi backwaters are offering fresh insights into the region’s unique history, culture, and religious traditions.
The discoveries, made in recent weeks by local authorities and the Department of Archaeology, have generated considerable interest among historians and heritage enthusiasts, highlighting the rich but often overlooked archaeological wealth of the district.
The first artefact was discovered during renovation works at the Sri Bhagavathi Temple in Yavakapadi village near Napoklu in Madikeri taluk. As part of the temple’s restoration, the idol of Goddess Bhagavathi was temporarily removed from the sanctum sanctorum. During the process, workers found a Kurma Karandaka beneath the base of the idol.
According to B.P. Rekha, Curator of the Government Museum in Madikeri, the artefact has now been transferred to the museum for preservation and study. The Kurma Karandaka features an intricately carved turtle mounted on a pedestal, topped by a vertically elongated structure.
Rekha believes the artefact dates back to the 16th or 17th century, a period when Kodagu was ruled by the Haleri dynasty under the broader influence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The discovery provides valuable evidence of religious practices and temple architecture prevalent during that era.
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Masti Veeragallu discovered in Harangi backwaters:
In another significant find, archaeologists uncovered a finely carved Masti Veeragallu or hero stone in the Harangi backwaters region. The discovery was made after water levels in the Harangi reservoir receded sharply due to the intense summer heat, exposing portions of the submerged landscape.
The hero stone contains detailed carvings depicting warriors armed with bows and arrows, as well as scenes of battle. Archaeologists estimate that the stone dates back to the 11th or 12th century during the reign of the Chengalva kings, who ruled parts of Kodagu before the rise of the Haleri dynasty.
Rekha said the Archaeology Department is working to systematically preserve such hero stones, sati stones and other archaeological remains at their original locations wherever possible.
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Ancient Kolekallu preserve memories of Kodava clan leaders:
Kodagu district continues to be a treasure trove of historical artefacts. The district’s five taluks are home to 701 temples, many of which have historical significance. In 1914, British archaeologist B.L. Rice documented 106 inscriptions in rural Kodagu. While only 48 of those inscriptions have been traced today, the Department of Archaeology has subsequently identified 78 additional inscriptions and artefacts that were not recorded by Rice.
The department has also documented around 200 hero stones, 77 sati stones, 284 Kolekallu memorial stones and 27 other sculptures across the district.
Among these, the Kolekallu remains a distinctive feature unique to Kodagu. These memorial stones were traditionally erected to commemorate the deaths of heads of Kodava families and continue to serve as an important reminder of the district’s cultural and historical legacy.
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