Table of Contents
Relevance: APPSC: Andhra Pradesh History, Regional Heritage and Current Affairs
Prelims
- Penukonda, Vijayanagara Empire, Bukka Raya I, Saka 1285, Naga Panchami, Kannada-Telugu script, Nagula Bavi
Mains
- Epigraphy, regional heritage, temple architecture, historical reconstruction, cultural continuity, heritage conservation
Why in News?
An ancient stone inscription was discovered at the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy Temple on Penukonda hill in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.The inscription belongs to 1363 CE and provides information about the early history of the Vijayanagara Empire during the reign of Emperor Bukka Raya I.
Location of the Discovery
- The inscription was found within the premises of the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy Temple, located on top of Penukonda hill.
- Members of the Penukonda chapter of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad discovered the dilapidated shrine while climbing the hill through its rugged northern and western approaches. They noticed an inscription carved on a large boulder and sent its photographs to historian MyNaa Swamy for decipherment.
About Penukonda
- Penukonda is an important historical town in the present-day Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
- It served as the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The discovery strengthens Penukonda’s importance as a centre of political, religious and cultural activity during the Vijayanagara period.
Details of the Inscription
The inscription is written in an ancient Kannada-Telugu script.It begins with the words: “Svasti Sri Saka Varusha 1285”It concludes with:“Mangala Maha Sri”
The date mentioned in the inscription corresponds to:
- Saka year: 1285
- Gregorian date: July 16, 1363 CE
- Traditional calendar: Shravana Shuddha Panchami
- Day: Sunday
- Festival: Naga Panchami
The inscription belongs to the reign of Bukka Raya I, who ruled from 1356 to 1377 CE.
What Does the Inscription Reveal?
The inscription records that Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar, who served as the Prime Minister under Bukka Raya I, commissioned the temple.
It states that Anantharasu:
- Consecrated the Shiva Linga at the temple
- Established the shrine on Naga Panchami
- Constructed a sacred pond beside the temple
The sacred pond is locally called Nagula Bavi, meaning the Well of Serpents.
Supporting Sculptural Evidence
- An intricate sculpture discovered at the site provides additional evidence about the shrine’s association with Naga worship.
- The sculpture depicts eight Naga Kanyas worshipping Lord Shiva. It supports the inscription’s reference to Naga Panchami and the sacred pond known as Nagula Bavi.
- The inscription, Shiva Linga, sacred pond and Naga sculpture together indicate the religious importance of the site.
Conclusion
The Penukonda inscription provides valuable evidence about the early Vijayanagara period, temple patronage and the religious traditions associated with Shaiva and Naga worship. Its discovery also reinforces Penukonda’s historical importance. Scientific documentation and careful restoration are essential to preserve this regional heritage for future generations.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the inscription discovered at Penukonda:
- It belongs to the reign of Bukka Raya I.
- It is written in an ancient Kannada-Telugu script.
- It records the consecration of a Shiva Linga by Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar.
- It dates the event to Naga Panchami in 1363 CE.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Statement-wise Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct: The inscription belongs to the reign of Vijayanagara ruler Bukka Raya I.
- Statement 2 is correct: It is inscribed in an ancient Kannada-Telugu script.
- Statement 3 is correct: It records that Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar consecrated the Shiva Linga.
- Statement 4 is correct: The event took place on July 16, 1363 CE, corresponding to Naga Panchami.
FAQs
1. Where was the inscription discovered?
It was discovered at the Sri Naga Lingeshwara Swamy Temple on Penukonda hill in Sri Sathya Sai district.
2. To which period does it belong?
It belongs to 1363 CE, during the reign of Vijayanagara emperor Bukka Raya I.
3. Who commissioned the temple?
The inscription identifies Anantharasu Chikka Odeyar, Prime Minister under Bukka Raya I, as its patron.
4. In which script was the inscription written?
It was written in an ancient Kannada-Telugu script.
5. What is Nagula Bavi?
Nagula Bavi, or the Well of Serpents, is the sacred pond mentioned in the inscription.
6. What supporting sculpture was found?
A sculpture depicting eight Naga Kanyas worshipping Lord Shiva was found at the temple.
7. Why is Penukonda historically important?
Penukonda served as the second capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
