Hero Stone
Prelims:
Indian History, Art and Culture
Mains:
GS Paper I- Indian Culture
Current affairs:
A Hoysala-era hero stone (Veeragallu) bearing
a Kannada inscription was discovered at Neeragunda village in Arsikere
taluk, Karnataka, providing fresh evidence that may help resolve the
long-standing uncertainty regarding the date of the death of Hoysala ruler
Vishnuvardhana.
Highlights:
Historical
Background:
1.
The tradition of
erecting hero stones was widely practised across South India, particularly
during the reign of the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kadambas, and
Yadavas.
2.
These memorial
stones commemorate acts of valour and serve as important historical records
through their inscriptions and sculptural depictions.
Discovery of the Hero Stone:
1.
Two Hoysala-era
stone slabs bearing sculptural work were unearthed during restoration work
at the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple in Neeragunda village,
Arsikere taluk, Karnataka.
2.
Researchers
subsequently identified the stone slabs as Veeragallus (hero stones),
one of which bears a significant Kannada inscription.
3.
According to researchers, the inscription commemorates a soldier
who sacrificed his life soon after the death of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana at
Bankapura.
About Hero Stone:
1.
A Hero Stone
(Veeragallu/Viragal) is a memorial stone erected in honour of a
warrior or individual who sacrificed his or her life in an act of
bravery, particularly in battle or while protecting people, cattle, or
territory.
2.
Hero stones generally contain:
i.
sculptural depictions of the heroic act or battle
ii.
Inscriptions describing the event or the hero
iii.
Upper panels often portraying the hero's ascension to
heaven or being honoured by celestial beings, symbolising eternal
remembrance.
3. Hero stones are
valuable epigraphic and archaeological sources that provide evidence on
political history, warfare and military traditions, social and cultural
practices. Language, script, and regional administration of the period.
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.pressreader.com/foryou?popupArticleId=281801405774356