New Ikshavaku inscription discovered in Krishna district

Throws light on geographical locations during 275 AD

RARE FIND: The inscribed pillar found at Gummadidurru near Nandigama in Krishna district

GUNTUR: A new inscribed pillar found at గుమ్మదిద్దూరు (Gummadidurru) near నందిగామ (Nandigama) in Krishna district has thrown light on some new names of geographical locations during 275 AD in the Vijayanagara kingdom.

Archaeological Survey of India's effort to revive the tourism attraction of Gummadidurru led to unearthing of a three-foot Bhrahmi lipi inscribed green limestone `Octagonal pillar' that announced the completion of 10th rignal year of Ikshavaku king Siri Yahuvala Chantamula, Archaeological Survey of India Director D. Jithendra Das told The Hindu.

Considered the most illustrious king in the Ikshavaku dynasty, Chantamula ruled the present Nalgonda, Krishna, Khammam, Guntur and Prakasam districts for 24 rignal years and during his regime several edifices of Buddha and Hindu pandians flourished.

The pillar with nine-inch diameter has a prakrit engraving in Bhrahmi lipi.

`Golden age'

"His age is considered golden age of artistic, sculptural and construction activity.

Phenomenal development was witnessed in agriculture, trade and economy," Mr. Das said.

Earlier, some pillars related to second, eighth, ninth, eleventh and sixteenth rignal years were discovered, but had been was missing for a long time.

This new pillar throws light on the name of donor of the pillar, who is interpreted as nobility hailing from present Madhira mentioned on the pillar as Madhadhakadapara, according to Assistant Superintending Archaeologist D. Kanna Babu of Amaravathi, who deciphered the prakrit writing.

The inscription read as follows:

"Success! Obeisance Dhamma and God during the 10th rignal year of Siri Yahuvala Chantamula - Ayadevabasaka the resident of Madhadhakadapara along with his wife Ijetika, sons Dapa, Theraka, Thamula, Chauka and daughters Modi, Chula Modi, Gharasudu, Hamavadi, Bhutati, Kati erected a chaitya (stupa) at Dedagiri (now known as Gummadidurru),"

Mr. Kanna Babu explained.

Courtesy: The Hindu