Ganga-era inscription stone discovered inside Begur lake

BENGALURU: The founders of the project 'Inscription Stones of Bangalore' have discovered a hero-stone inside the Begur lake, which they surmise, dates back to the 5th century Ganga dynasty rule in Karnataka.

"There is no inscription visible as of now. Excavation is required to get more details," said Vinay Kumar of Inscription Stones of Bangalore. "We have informed the archaeology department and they might visit the site on Thursday."

The Ganga dynasty, which ruled Karnataka between the 4th and 11th century, was spread over the southern and eastern parts of the former Mysore State and the Cauvery River. The entire district of the present Bengaluru district formed a part of a region called Gangavadi. Interestingly, the name 'Bengaluru' appears for the first time in a Gang-era inscription dated about 900 AD. A hero-stone in the Nagesvara temple complex in Begur records the death of a servant of Nagattara in the battle of 'Bengaluru'.


"It appears that a mantapa (pillared outdoor hall or pavilion) covering the stone tablet has been destroyed during the construction of a walking track around the (Begur) lake. We are yet to get permission for excavation or relocation of the stone," said Kumar. More details about the historical relevance of the stone will be studied by experts once the stone has been excavated.