Published Aug 05, 2025 | 12:51 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2025 | 12:51 PM
One of the inscriptions uncovered by the ASI.
Two significant inscriptions recently documented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) shed light on Karnataka’s past. A 7th-century CE (Common Era) stone inscription from Madapura in the Davanagere district, issued during Badami Chalukya King Vikramaditya I’s reign, records tax exemptions and a land grant of six mattar to Ojas (architects), possibly for constructing a tank.
The grant was sanctioned by Singanna, administrator of Bellavi-nadu, and involved land from the Okkalu of Bellavi-70. A later carving of Vamana appears on its reverse.
From Guttala in the Haveri district, a unique 1539 CE sculptural inscription commemorates 6,307 people who died during a devastating drought. Marulaih Oḍeya buried the victims, carrying them in baskets, for the merit of local ruler Timmarasa Svami. These inscriptions offer rare insight into early administration, public works, and the human toll of historic natural disasters.
