• Eminent archaeologist T. Murugeshi along with others, has discovered a rare inscription connected to the Alupa dynasty of the region during a recent archaeological exploration at Someshwara near Mangaluru.
• The inscription was the first record of the Alupas that announced the death of a king and also mentioned terms related to the Siri cult, such as Siri, Dalya and Chattara (Chatra).

ABOUT THE INSCRIPTION

• The inscription has two panels on the top, and in between the two panels the first line is engraved.
  • The rest of the inscription written below the panels is in the Kannada script and the language of 12th century characters announcing the death of Alupendra I.
• The human figures shown in the inscription represent Kulashekara Alupendra himself.
• The Someshwara inscription is very significant in the study of Tuluva history and culture.

ABOUT KULASHEKARA ALUPENDRA I

• Kulashekara Alupendra I was a famous ruler of the Alupas of South Canara.

Alupa Dyansty was one of the longest reigning dynasties of Tulu Nadu (in Karnataka). Barkur was the capital city.

• Alupendra I ruled Tulunadu from 1156-1215 A.D., as known from his other records.
• He was responsible for the establishment of new city called Kulashekara in Mangaluru.
• He also laid down strict rules and regulations for temple administration, which are still followed in all temples in this region.
• He was the first ruler to give royal patronage to Tulu language and culture, ruling from both the capitals, Mangaluru and Barkuru.
• He also built a palace by the name Bhuvanashraya at Kulashekara.

 

SOMESHWARA TEMPLE

• The Soma cult was founded by one Soma Sharma of Gujarat in the 11th century AD and it spread across the country.
• The Someshwara temple at Someshwara was built during the time of Kulashekara Alupendra in honour of Soma and adorned with Nava Durgas.
• Independent Navadurga sculptures in sitting posture are found in the temple.