Udupi: A Vijayanar inscription found at Dasanda Bakimar near Jumadi temple in Kedinje of Belman village in Karkala taluk of the Udupi district. It is written in Kannada language and script but Tulu words are also found in the record, says Prof. Murugeshi T., the founder Trustee of Adimakala Trust (R.), Udupi in his press release here today. This beautiful record found recorded on a green schist or soap stone. It has 46.5cm in height and 23 cm width. The rectangular lower panel has 34 lines of writing and upper panel has the beautiful depictions of Lingam in the centre, the feeding cow standing on the left and a lamp post and Kadsale (a kind of sword used in the Bhuta cult) on the right found in bass relief.
In the beginning of the first line the auspicious symbol of swastika was engraved. Then the record began with the invocation of Lord Shiva. It follows the dating details, which states that the Saka year 1039 Prabhava Savat ba 3 (bahula 3). But, it doesn’t mach to the any dates of Vijayanagar period. Thus, the intended date must have been Saka year 1309. This Saka year corresponded to current Saka of 1387 A.D. and Prabhava Savat is also mach to this date. Then the record prizes the king Harihara II, as the overlord of the three oceans (Purva Dakshina Paschima Samudradhi Svaram). By the royal order of Hariyappa Vodeya, Maha Pradhana (Prime Minister) Mallappa Vodeya is said to be ruling over Barakur Rajya. Then, the inscription stated that the Mallappa Vodeya is given Dattaluva kingdom to Sanganna Jaya Arasa. This Sanganna Jaya Arasa is given two Balike (land grants), to Kotishvaralva and Kadambalva at Nandalike as Brahmadaya which is free from all taxes. Out of these two balikes (land grants), Six Mude paddy is to be paid to a Brahmin who taught Purana. It is said in the record the two brothers are directed to give every year without fail according to a deed of Dharma done by Jaya Arsa. If, the state or any one evade this deed of Dharma such should pay 250 gadyana to the king, 150 gadyana to the god. The record was written by Senabova Vittanna of Jaya Arsa. The record concludes with usual imprecatory passages.
The location and the existence of this inscription brought to the notice to Prof. Murugeshi T by Sinchith M and Shodan B, the I B.A. students of archaeology of MSRS College, Shirva. My sincere gratitude to both of them. I extend my sincere gratitude to Suhas Hegde of Nandalike palace, his mother Sarala S Hegde, Dr. Suresh Chitrapu, the President of Gajani Foundation, Mulki, Dr. Raghuram Shetty, Rani Chikkayi Tayi Charitable Trust (R.), Gulladi.