Context:
Archaeologists discovered a rare inscription connected to the Alupa dynasty of the region at Someshwara near Mangaluru.
News Highlights:
- 1st record of the Alupa Dyansty that announced the death of Alupendra I
- Significant in the study of Tuluva history and culture.
- Siri, Dalya and Chattara (Chatra) – Mentioned terms related to the Siri cult
- Archaeological Findings – Keerthi Sthamba (pillar), Royal Depictions of Kulashekara Alupendra
Origins of the Soma cult:
- Founded by – Soma Sharma of Gujarat
- Time Period – 11th century AD
- Siri – Patron deity of the Tulu people.
About Alupa Dyansty:
- State –Present-day Karnataka
- One of the longest reigning dynasties of Tulu Nadu.
- Capital city – Barkur (Udyavara – Old Capital)
- Oral literature tradition of Tulu – Paddana (folk-song forms), Yakshagana (traditional folk theatre)
- Halmidi Inscription of Hassan, Karnataka – Mentions about a grant recommended by King Pashupati of Alupa and the Chief Commander of Kadamba forces.
About Kulashekara Alupendra I:
- Period of Reign – 1156-1215 A.D.
- Ruler of the Alupas of South Canara.
- Established new city Kulashekara in Mangaluru.
- Administration –
- Laid down strict rules and regulations for temple administration (still followed in all temples)
- 1st ruler to give royal patronage to Tulu language and culture.
- Significance –
- Described as “Lokantamanta”, meaning ‘famous in the universe’ in Tulu.
- Bulit Someshwara temple in honour of Soma and adorned with Nava Durgas.
Related Info
- A stone inscription discovered (2019) at the Sri Veeranarayana temple in Kulashekara.
- It is in complete Tulu script and language.
- Belongs to the 1159 A.D
- Mentions that the god belongs to 12 villages as ‘pitru-devata.’
Tulu speakers have been continuously requesting the governments to give it official language status and include it in the 8th schedule to the Constitution.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Kanganahalli
(b) Sanchi
(c) Shahbazagrhi
(d) Sohgaura
Answer: (a)
