Table of Contents
Relevance: TGPSC Group I Paper II: History, Culture and Geography
- Prelims: Nallamala Forest, Udimella, Padara mandal, Nagarkurnool, Tripuraraju, Mallidevaraju, Maninagapura, Udumisvara Deva, Saka Era.
- Mains: Inscriptional evidence, regional history, ruling lineage, temple donations, cultural heritage.
Why in News?
A historical inscription believed to belong to 1404 CE has been discovered near the ruins of a Shiva temple inside the Nallamala Forest.The site is located within the limits of Udimella in Padara mandal of Nagarkurnool district. The inscription belongs to the period of a ruler named Tripuraraju.
Location and Discovery
- The inscription was noticed by Karthik Pothuboyina of Vijayawada, a member of the Vedadri Nallagorla Trekking Team.
- The group explores temples, inscriptions and other historical sites in the Nallamala region.
Details Recorded in the Inscription
According to the reading of the inscription, Tripuraraju was the son of Mahamandalesvara Mallidevaraju.
Mallidevaraju is described as:
- belonging to the Hariti gotra;
- descending from the lineage of Madhavavarma;
- ruling Maninagapura; and
- possessing thousands of elephants and cavalry.
The inscription contains an eulogy praising Mallidevaraju’s rule and military strength.
Dating of the Inscription
The inscription mentions the Saka year 1990. However, researchers found this year to be incorrect.
Other chronological details recorded in it include:
- Tarana year
- Paushya Suddha Dasami
- Friday
- Uttarayana Sankramana
These details together correspond to December 14, 1404 CE. Therefore, researchers have dated the inscription to the beginning of the 15th century.
Religious Donations Recorded
The inscription records a donation made to Udumisvara Deva of Udumidla.
The donation was intended to provide:
- incense;
- lamps; and
- naivedya, or food offerings.
A separate donation to Visalakshi Jiyyelu Deva is also mentioned.
Conclusion
The inscription discovered at Udimella is an important addition to the historical record of the Nallamala region. It provides evidence about Tripuraraju, Mallidevaraju, their lineage and donations made for temple worship. Its similarity with the inscription found at Amanagallu may support further study of the political and religious history of medieval Telangana.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the inscription recently discovered in the Nallamala Forest:
- It was found near the ruins of a Shiva temple in Nagarkurnool district.
- It identifies Tripuraraju as the son of Mahamandalesvara Mallidevaraju.
- It records a donation for incense, lamps and food offerings to Udumisvara Deva.
- Researchers confirmed the Saka year 1990 mentioned in the inscription as accurate.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
Statement-wise Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The inscription was found near a ruined Shiva temple at Udimella in Nagarkurnool district.
Statement 2 is correct: Tripuraraju is described as the son of Mahamandalesvara Mallidevaraju.
Statement 3 is correct: It records a donation for incense, lamps and naivedya to Udumisvara Deva.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Researchers found the recorded Saka year to be incorrect. The remaining chronological details correspond to December 14, 1404 CE.
FAQs
1. Where was the inscription discovered?
It was found near a ruined Shiva temple at Udimella in Padara mandal of Nagarkurnool district.
2. To which period does the inscription belong?
It has been dated to December 14, 1404 CE.
3. Who was Tripuraraju?
The inscription identifies him as the son of Mahamandalesvara Mallidevaraju.
4. What does the inscription say about Mallidevaraju?
It associates him with the Hariti gotra, Madhavavarma’s lineage and the rule of Maninagapura.
5. What religious donation is recorded?
It records donations for incense, lamps and food offerings to Udumisvara Deva and also mentions Visalakshi Jiyyelu Deva.
