10th Century Kannada Inscription Unveiled in South Goa's Sri Mahadeva Temple
Mangaluru: An archaeologist hailing from Udupi has recently unveiled a significant discovery regarding a Kannada inscription in Goa, tracing its origins back to the 10th century.
Renowned environmentalist Dr. Rajendra Kerkar found the inscription within the premises of Sri Mahadeva Temple at Cacoda in South Goa, subsequently inviting Retired Associate Professor and Archaeologist from Udupi Prof T Murugeshi to conduct a study and know the contents of the inscription.
“It is a bilingual inscription with 14 written in Kannada script and language. As soon as the Kannada inscription ends, the same message is written in Devanagari script and Sanskrit language. Sanskrit and Kannada were the official languages of Kadambas of Goa," Murugeshi said.
He added that earlier too Kannada inscriptions have been found in Goa.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle he remarked on the distinctive narrative style of the inscription, noting its first-person perspective and eloquent composition. It takes the form of a vocal statement expressing a lamenting father's grief over the death of his son.
According to Prof Murugeshi's findings, based on the characters of the inscription, it dates back to the 10th century AD when Kadambas of Goa were ruling the region.
The inscription recounts the historical episode when Talara Nevayya governed the Mandala region. Talara Nevayya's son, Gundayya, dedicated himself to fulfilling his father's ambition of capturing Gopura, the port of Goa. Gundayya valiantly fought in pursuit of this goal and tragically lost his life in the process.
Delving into historical context, Prof Murugeshi outlined the relationship between the Kadambas of Goa and the Chalukyas of Kalyana. Kadamba Shasthadeva, appointed as Mahamandaleshwara of Goa by Chalukyan emperor Tailapa II, played a pivotal role in overthrowing the Rashtrakutas.
In 960 A.D, Kadamba Shasthadeva conquered the city of Chandawar in Goa and later seized the port of Gopakapattana.
"It looks like in this battle (for Gopakapattana) Gundayya, the son of Talara Nevayya, participated and won the port at the cost of his life. Lamenting father praised the heroic fight of his son and erected a memorial stone of inscription in honor of his son in the temple premises of Mahadev of Cacoda,” he said.
Prof Murugeshi also stated that the Kadambas of Goa were great devotees of Shiva.
"Many Shiva temples in the region were built during their rule. Notably the inscription which I studied too has been found in the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva," he added.
