Table of Contents
Relevance: GS Paper I — Indian History, Art and Culture; Andhra Pradesh History
Epigraphy, Copper-plate inscriptions, Guntur, Eastern Chalukyas, Vishnuvardhana II, Toponymy
Why in News?
The Archaeological Survey of India’s Director of Epigraphy, Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy, has highlighted archaeological evidence establishing the antiquity of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. The earliest known epigraphical reference to Guntur occurs in seventh-century copper plates associated with the Eastern Chalukya dynasty.
What Does the Inscription Reveal?
Earliest Reference to Guntur
- The first known inscriptional reference to Guntur appears in the Pune copper plates issued by Eastern Chalukya king Vishnuvardhana II.
- The plates date to the ruler’s first regnal year—669 CE. They provide material evidence that the settlement was known and recorded nearly fourteen centuries ago.
Nature of the Evidence
Copper-plate inscriptions were generally used to record royal orders, grants and administrative transactions. Since they usually mention rulers, regnal years, places and beneficiaries, they serve as important primary sources for reconstructing history.
Evolution of Guntur’s Name
- The inscriptions document changes in the city’s name across centuries. Its nomenclature evolved through forms such as:
- Kunturu
- Gomturu
- Gunturu
- A 10th-century Ederu copper-plate inscription records the name as Gomturu. Regional inscriptions indicate that this form remained in continuous use from the 10th to the 14th century.
- These variations reveal a gradual linguistic transition from ancient forms to the modern name, Guntur.
Historical Significance
1. Establishes Guntur’s Antiquity
The 669 CE reference pushes Guntur’s documented history back to the seventh century and confirms its existence during the Eastern Chalukya period.
2. Traces Linguistic Change
The changing spellings demonstrate how pronunciation, language and writing conventions evolved over time.
3. Reconstructs Regional History
The inscriptions provide evidence about the historical geography and socio-political development of medieval Andhra Pradesh.
4. Highlights Eastern Chalukya Influence
The records connect Guntur with the Eastern Chalukya dynasty and help scholars understand the dynasty’s administrative and territorial presence.
5. Demonstrates the Value of Epigraphy
Epigraphy—the study of inscriptions—helps establish dates, place names, political authority and linguistic developments where literary evidence may be limited.
Conclusion
The Pune copper plates provide the earliest known epigraphical reference to Guntur, dating to 669 CE. Together with later records such as the Ederu inscription, they trace the transformation of the city’s name and offer a tangible window into the political and linguistic history of medieval Andhra Pradesh.
CARE MCQ
Q1. Consider the following statements about the early history of Guntur:
- Its earliest known epigraphical reference occurs in the Pune copper plates.
- These plates were issued during the reign of Vishnuvardhana II.
- The inscription dates to 669 CE.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The Pune copper plates, issued in the first regnal year of Eastern Chalukya ruler Vishnuvardhana II, contain the earliest known epigraphical reference to Guntur and date to 669 CE.
FAQs
1. What is the earliest known epigraphical reference to Guntur?
It appears in the Pune copper plates issued during the first regnal year of Vishnuvardhana II in 669 CE.
2. Which dynasty issued these copper plates?
They were associated with the Eastern Chalukya dynasty.
3. How did Guntur’s name evolve?
Inscriptions record variations such as Kunturu, Gomturu and Gunturu.
4. What does the Ederu copper-plate inscription mention?
The 10th-century inscription records the city’s name as Gomturu.
5. Why are copper-plate inscriptions important?
They are primary historical sources that help establish chronology, political authority, geographical names and linguistic change.
Source : The Hindu
