Shidlaghatta
A team of epigraphists led by K. Dhanapal, during a village-wise archaeological survey in Shidlaghatta taluk, has discovered unpublished inscriptions and veeragallus (hero stones) dating back nearly 1,200 years to the Ganga dynasty.
In Kothanur village, near a mango grove owned by farmer K.M. Murthy, inscriptions in Halegannada (Old Kannada) were found. One inscription begins with “Swastishree Kothannar...” and mentions “Kothanur,” pushing the village’s known history back to the Ganga era. A hero stone there depicts a warrior in veerasana, pierced by arrows, holding a sword and bow, showcasing his valor.
In Gejjiganahalli, six more inscriptions and hero stones were discovered. One stone details a warrior who died defending the village from cattle raiders. The inscription, commissioned by a local chieftain, praises the warrior’s bravery, with carvings illustrating him beheading enemies.
Dhanapal expressed concern over the condition of the artifacts in Gejjiganahalli. “These precious pieces of history are scattered and unprotected. Villagers and the Gram Panchayat must act to preserve them,” he urged.
These findings offer valuable insights into the Ganga dynasty's history and highlight the need for urgent preservation efforts.