Kalyana Chalukya-Era Inscription at Gangapuram
A 900-year-old inscription from the Kalyana Chalukya (Western Chalukya) period was discovered in a state of severe neglect at Gangapuram, a village in Telangana’s Jangaon district. The inscription, dating to the 12th century, is engraved on a stone pillar and is written in Old Kannada script. It likely records land grants, donations, or administrative orders typical of such inscriptions. Despite its historical significance, the pillar was found exposed to weathering, vandalism, and encroachment, with no efforts to protect or preserve it. Local historians and archaeologists have raised concerns about the lack of institutional attention to safeguarding such artifacts.The Chalukya Empire
The Chalukya dynasty (6th–12th century CE) was a dominant power in southern and central India, divided into three branches:
- Early Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th century CE): Ruled from Badami (Karnataka), known for rock-cut temples like those at Pattadakal and Aihole.
- Western Chalukyas of Kalyana (10th–12th century CE): Revived Chalukya power with their capital at Kalyana (modern Basavakalyan, Karnataka). They were patrons of art, architecture, and literature, blending Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
- Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th–12th century CE): Governed parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Administration: Known for decentralized governance and land grant systems.
- Culture: Promoted Kannada and Telugu literature; the Western Chalukyas oversaw a cultural renaissance under rulers like Vikramaditya VI.
- Current Neglect: The inscription’s poor condition reflects broader issues of heritage mismanagement. Experts warn that without preservation, such artifacts risk permanent damage or loss, erasing critical historical evidence.
- Call to Action: The discovery underscores the urgent need for state archaeology departments and national institutions like the ASI to document, protect, and conserve India’s scattered historical relics.
The neglected Chalukya inscription at Gangapuram is a reminder of India’s rich but vulnerable historical legacy. While it sheds light on the Western Chalukyas’ influence in Telangana, its deteriorating state highlights the pressing need for systemic efforts to preserve such cultural treasures for future study and public awareness.
- Early Chalukyas of Badami (6th–8th century CE): Ruled from Badami (Karnataka), known for rock-cut temples like those at Pattadakal and Aihole.
- Western Chalukyas of Kalyana (10th–12th century CE): Revived Chalukya power with their capital at Kalyana (modern Basavakalyan, Karnataka). They were patrons of art, architecture, and literature, blending Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.
- Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th–12th century CE): Governed parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Key Contributions
- Architecture: Built iconic temples, including the Kashi Vishveshwara Temple in Lakkundi.- Administration: Known for decentralized governance and land grant systems.
- Culture: Promoted Kannada and Telugu literature; the Western Chalukyas oversaw a cultural renaissance under rulers like Vikramaditya VI.
Significance of the Gangapuram Inscription
- Historical Value: Provides insights into the Chalukya Empire’s reach into present-day Telangana, highlighting their administrative or religious activities in the region.- Current Neglect: The inscription’s poor condition reflects broader issues of heritage mismanagement. Experts warn that without preservation, such artifacts risk permanent damage or loss, erasing critical historical evidence.
- Call to Action: The discovery underscores the urgent need for state archaeology departments and national institutions like the ASI to document, protect, and conserve India’s scattered historical relics.
The neglected Chalukya inscription at Gangapuram is a reminder of India’s rich but vulnerable historical legacy. While it sheds light on the Western Chalukyas’ influence in Telangana, its deteriorating state highlights the pressing need for systemic efforts to preserve such cultural treasures for future study and public awareness.
