Replica of inscription honouring a ‘heroic dog’ unveiled at Mandya DC office
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Mandya: The replica of ‘Kali’ inscription, popular as Athakur inscription, one of its kind historical hero stone, that highlights the role played by a hound, in 949-950 CE, was unveiled at the premises of Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday.
The inscription
The Atakur (sometimes spelt Athagur or Athakur) memorial stone inscription dated 949 C.E.is a classical Kannada composition describing two events; the death of a hound “Kali” during a fight with a wild boar, and the victory of vassal King Butuga II of the Western Ganga Dynasty over The Cholas of Tanjore. Butuga II fought for his overlord, the Rashtrakuta emperor Krishna III in the famous Battle of Thakkolam.
In a separate incident, during a hunt, the hound was involved in a fight with a wild boar in a trench near the village of Beltur leading to the death of both animals in the conflict. This inscribed memorial stone was erected by a grief-stricken Manlarata in honor of the brave dog. The inscription warns the local priest (gorava) of “sin” if he were to have his food before “offering worship to the memorial stone”.
Agriculture and District In-charge Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, inaugurated the replica of the inscription on the wall of the corridor of DC’s office.
The inscription was found on the premises of Chelleshwara temple, Maddur taluk in the district.
Cheluvarayaswamy said that, the inscriptions reveal the ancient history of the district. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve the inscriptions.
The hero stone named “Kali” has its own special significance and the work being done by the district administration to preserve it is truly commendable, said Cheluvarayaswamy.
The conservation of lake banks is a very necessary task in the current situation, only then the public should be aware of this, only then can progress be seen in the conservation of lakes.
He said that the government and the district administration are also taking several plans and measures for the conservation of lakes.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumara said that, this inscription is truly a testament to the fact that animals should be treated with respect. When we understand the inner meaning of inscriptions rather than considering them as stones, we understand their significance.
He said that it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve the inscriptions that are a testament to our heritage and history.
Mandya district is rich in art, culture and history. There are more than 1,000 inscriptions available in the district, all of which are inscriptions that tell the importance of our cultural history.
He said that we should give more encouragement to preserve the inscriptions for the next generation.
“We need to preserve the lakes that have been a heritage since the time of our ancestors. Villages and lakes have an inseparable relationship. It is our responsibility to protect the lakes and we must take steps for their survival,” he informed the officials.
There are about 967 lakes in the district, and work is in progress to identify, survey and clear encroachments. He said that he is organising a meeting once a month and instructing all the officials about conservation of lakes.
He said that there is a high possibility of damage to lakes due to unscientific silting. Therefore, the role of the public in the conservation of lakes is very important and the public should be made aware of lake conservation.
Author and researcher Tailur Venkatakrishna spoke and said that many temples, monuments, and inscriptions that proclaim the glory of history need to be preserved.
He said that the Ataguru Dog Edict, whose replica was installed in a museum at a University in America a hundred years ago, should be understood as its significance.
He said that if the lakes are not protected, the future generations will have to face serious consequences, and that the lake banks should be carefully protected like mirrors.
Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) K R Nandini said that, many people are unaware of the value of inscriptions, awareness programmes that need to be held about the value of inscriptions. The high priority should be given to inscriptions and they should be preserved and the public should be made to look at the inscriptions of our land with pride and care.
Retired IAS officer Dr K H Gopalakrishne Gowda spoke and said that, due to urbanisation, lake banks are being closed and buildings are being constructed. The officials need to work efficiently for the revitalisation and development of lakes, the public needs to understand how important lakes are for lives and the public in the district needs to know about the relevant legislation.
Historical researchers Mohammed Kalim, C. Mahadev, Haravu Devegowda, Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture B V Nandish and other officials were present.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
