Inscription Found in Arsikere Hero Stone Offers Insights into Hoysala Ruler Vishnuvardhana’s Death Date
A centuries-old hero stone, known as a veeragallu, unearthed during temple restoration work in Neeragunda village of Arsikere taluk in Karnataka, has brought forward critical epigraphic evidence regarding the Hoysala dynasty. The stone features an old Kannada inscription referencing the demise of the prominent Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana, which experts believe may resolve long-running scholarly ambiguity surrounding his final days.
What Happened
On June 28, workers carrying out foundation work for the restoration of the dilapidated Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple in Neeragunda unearthed two carved stone slabs. The discovery was reported to researchers. Bengaluru-based IT professional and Hoysala architecture researcher Shashidhar H.G., who has documented over 600 Hoysala temples, inspected the artifacts and identified them as hero stones.
Upon deciphering the text written in old Kannada and consulting with experts, Shashidhar noted that the inscription was commissioned by a local resident named Maravve. It commemorates her husband, Boppa, a soldier who gave up his life shortly after King Vishnuvardhana died at Bankapura, located in modern-day Haveri district. The inscription records the date as Ekadashi of Pushya Masa in Durmathi Samvatsara, year 1064, which aligns with December 11, 1141, in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Highlights
- Workers unearthed two sculpted stone slabs on June 28 while renovating the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple in Neeragunda.
- One slab contains an old Kannada inscription commissioned by Maravve for her late husband, Boppa, who died following King Vishnuvardhana’s death at Bankapura.
- The inscription specifies a date corresponding to December 11, 1141, directly addressing previous scholarly debates that placed Vishnuvardhana’s death in either 1149 or 1152.
- H.C. Kumar, curator of the Government Museum at Hassan, visited the location and confirmed that academic experts are verifying and analyzing the deciphered text.
- The findings have been shared with the Karnataka Itihasa Academy and other research scholars.
Why This Matters
Historical estimates regarding the death of King Vishnuvardhana have remained divided, with some historians arguing for 1149 and others pointing to 1152. Because the newly discovered inscription records a soldier’s sacrifice immediately after the ruler’s death with a specific date corresponding to December 11, 1141, it serves as direct epigraphic evidence that could settle the timeline of the Hoysala ruler’s death. The Hoysalas were a major dynasty ruling regions across present-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu between the 11th and 14th centuries, with notable capitals at Belur and Halebid.
What to Watch Next
Academic scholars and the Karnataka Itihasa Academy are conducting further verification and analysis of the inscription’s deciphered text. Meanwhile, local efforts to restore the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple, estimated at ₹13 lakh, are currently paused due to a lack of funds after spending ₹7 lakh, highlighting the need for resources to complete restoration and ensure the protection of the newly discovered artifact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a veeragallu?
A veeragallu is a hero stone or memorial stone carved and erected to honor warriors who sacrificed their lives.
Where was the inscription discovered?
The stone slab was unearthed during foundation work at the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple in Neeragunda village, situated in Arsikere taluk of Hassan district, Karnataka.
What date does the Neeragunda inscription mention for Vishnuvardhana’s death?
The inscription gives a date according to the Hindu calendar (Ekadashi of Pushya Masa, Durmathi Samvatsara, year 1064), which corresponds to December 11, 1141, in the Gregorian calendar.
Source: Information in this report is sourced from The Hindu.