Ancient Stone Inscriptions from 9th Century Unearthed in Kodagu; Transcription Unlocks Rich Historical Insights

B. P. Rekha, curator of the Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage Department, mark the most extensive discovery of inscriptions in the region since British archaeologist B. L. Rice’s work in 1886. (Photo Courtesy: PV)

Madikeri: In a landmark archaeological discovery, 69 stone slab inscriptions dating back to as early as the 9th century have been uncovered in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.

These findings, made by B. P. Rekha, curator of the Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage Department, mark the most extensive discovery of inscriptions in the region since British archaeologist B. L. Rice’s work in 1886. Rekha’s survey began in 2023, culminating in the largest such find in Kodagu in over a century, according to a report published in Praja Vani(PV).

Photo Courtesy: PV

Rice’s seminal work, Epigraphia Karnataka, published in 1886, included transcriptions of 114 stone inscriptions, providing an invaluable record of Kodagu’s ancient past. Rekha’s recent discoveries bring a fresh perspective to the region’s history, with 69 new inscriptions now transcribed by Mysuru-based epigraphy expert H. M. Nagarajarao, unveiling remarkable details about Kodagu’s religious, social, and political landscape.

One of the inscriptions, found in Niluvagilu village and dating back to the 9th century AD, references the now-lost Vasanthi temple, hinting at religious structures that no longer exist today. Another 9th-century inscription in Edavare village recounts the life of an individual named Vendi, who is described as having "ascended to heaven." The inscription bestows upon him the title "the Brahma of Kaliyuga," suggesting his revered status in the community.

Jainism appears prominently in many of these inscriptions. A notable example is a ‘Nishidhi’ inscription at Kalthmadu in Virajpet, installed by a man named Kanakasenaiah to honour his guru.

An inscription from the 11th-12th century in Shirangala refers to "Sirivangala," believed to be the ancient name of the area. This artifact also mentions the River Cauvery and two individuals named Siriyamma and Kava Gowda, adding context to the region’s social framework.

Photo Courtesy: PV

Some inscriptions date even further back, to the 8th century AD, including one found in Seegehosuru that highlights the Rajendra Chola dynasty’s influence in Kodagu. This indicates that the Chola Empire's reach extended into the region. An additional inscription found at Mrityunjaya Temple mentions “Vangala,” while a rare find from Basavanahalli references "Badiva of Kongalva," the only known record of the Kongalva lineage in Kodagu.

With the transcription of these 69 inscriptions complete, B. P. Rekha noted that a detailed study of the inscriptions will further illuminate Kodagu’s ancient heritage, enriching our understanding of the region’s history and its place within South Indian culture.

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