Why is it in the news?
- The 10th-century Kadamba inscription was recently discovered in the Mahadeva temple at Cacoda in southern Goa.
(Kadamba Inscription)
More about the news
- The inscription is written in both Kannada and Nagari
- It sheds light on the Kadamba period in Goa, beginning with the auspicious word ‘Swasthi Shri’ (Be it well).
- The stone inscription was found between the temples of Mahadev and Sateri-Betal at Cacoda.
- The inscription records that Talara Nevayya’s son, Gundayya, fulfilled his father’s desire by capturing a gopura of the port of Goa, fighting and dying in the process.
- Gundayya’s heroic act is commemorated with the inscription erected by his father in the Mahadev temple at Cacoda.
- The epigraph is in the literary style of the Talangre inscription of Jayasimha I from the same period.
Historical Narrative
- The Kadambas of Goa were subordinates of the Chalukyas of Kalyana.
- Kadamba Shasthadeva, appointed as Mahamandaleshwara by Chalukyan emperor Tailapa II, played a crucial role in overthrowing the Rashtrakutas.
- In 960 A.D., Shasthadeva conquered Chandavara city and the port of Gopakapattana (present-day Goa).
- Gundayya, Talara Nevayya’s son, participated in the battle for Goa’s port and won it at the cost of his life.
Socio-cultural Importance
- Cacora village, where the inscription was found, is connected to navigable waterways leading to the Upper Ghat region through the ancient Diggi ghat route.
- Cacoda, now a census town in Goa, hosts the Mahadev temple and other deities, reflecting its cultural significance.
- The inscription highlights the historical and socio-cultural importance of the Kadamba period in Goa.
About Kadambas Dynasty
| Aspect | Details |
| Establishment | The Kadambas, an ancient Karnataka royal dynasty, were founded around 345 A D by Mayurasharma. |
| Territorial Control | They controlled northern Karnataka and the Konkan region, coexisting with the Western Ganga Dynasty. |
| Historical Sources | Major historical sources include inscriptions like Talagunda, Gundanur, Chandravalli, Halasi, and Halmidi in Sanskrit and Kannada. |
| Architecture | – Exhibited unique features inspired by Chalukyan and Pallava styles. |
| – Contributed to the later Chalukya-Hoysala style. | |
| – The distinctive Kadamba Shikara adopted in Hoysala temples at Doddagaddavalli and Mahakuta in Hampi. | |
| – Erected the Madhukeshwara (Lord Shiva) temple at Banavasi. | |
| Religion | – Adhered to Vedic Hinduism. |
| – Mayurasharma, the founder, was a Brahmin, but heirs changed their surname to Varma to signify Kshatriya rank. | |
| – Horse sacrifice (Ashwamedha) performed by several Kadamba monarchs. | |
| Language | – Played a crucial role in developing Kannada as a language of inscriptions. |
| – Main sources of Kadamba history: Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Kannada. | |
| Administration | – Referred to themselves as Dharma Maharajas. |
| – Various administrative roles: Prime Minister, Council Secretary, Scholarly Elders, Physician, etc. | |
| – Provinces (Mandalas) and districts (Vishayas) used for kingdom partition. | |
| Economy | – Kingdom divided into nine Vishayas, with Mahagramas (Taluk) and Dashagramas (Hobli) under a Vishaya. |
| – Imposed various taxes: land tax, sales tax, professional charges on traders. | |
| Society | – Adhered to the caste system, with Brahmins and Kshatriyas at the top. |
| – Erected memorial stones (hero stones) to honour deceased heroes, a unique feature of medieval Indian society. |
