The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru comprise over 1,500 historical stone inscriptions found throughout the Bengaluru region, Karnataka, India. Spanning more than 1,500 years, these inscriptions detail the political, social, religious, and economic aspects of the region's past, making them key sources for tracing Bengaluru's transformation from a modest settlement to a bustling metropolis. Within the limits of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, approximately 175 stone inscriptions have been documented in various publications. These inscriptions, which include names of many existing localities, offer a unique perspective on the city's historical landscape. The collective presentation of these names, either as a word cloud or marked pictorially on a colour-coded map, provides a visually engaging representation of the city's antiquity.
The 750CE Hebbal-Kittayya veeragalu with inscription. PC: Wikimedia CommonsVeeragal: These are hero stones erected to commemorate fallen warriors, often depicting the heroes in battle scenes. Many veeragallus in Bengaluru date back to the 9th and 10th centuries, offering glimpses into the martial traditions of the region. Examples : Veeragallus at T.Dasarahalli, Hebbal, Begur and Kaikondrahalli
Grants and Donations: These inscriptions record land grants, gifts to temples, and other acts of charity. They provide information about land ownership, social hierarchies, and economic activity.. Examples: Inscriptions at Jakkur, Allalasandra and Kethamaranahalli.
Temple Inscriptions: These inscribe details about temple construction, dedications, and rituals. They reveal the history and significance of various temples in Bengaluru, shedding light on religious practices and beliefs. Examples : Inscriptions at Malleshwaram, Domlur, Madivala, Begur. Belur and Vibhutipura.
Royal Decrees and Orders: These pronouncements by rulers and officials offer insights into administrative practices, legal systems, and political events. Example : Inscriptions at Domlur, Madivala and Begur
Nishidhi Inscriptions: These are Jaina religious inscriptions erected in remembrance of Jaina people who voluntarily led themselves to death by a ritual called Sallekhana.. Example : Begur
Construction: These are inscriptions that document the building of Lakes, Santhes (Markets), Temples, Villages etc. Examples of such inscriptions can be found at Ramasandra, Hoodi and Begur.
The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru have been documented in a variety of publications throughout history, providing researchers and enthusiasts with access to these valuable historical resources. Here are some of the key resources:
Epigraphia Carnatica: This monumental series, published by the Mysore Archaeological Department and later the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Karnataka, is the most comprehensive source of inscription information in Karnataka. Its ninth volume, published in 1942, specifically focuses on Bangalore District and covers almost 500 inscriptions from the region.
Annual Report of Mysore Archaeology Department: These annual reports, dating back to the late 19th century, often documented new inscription discoveries in Bengaluru and surrounding areas, providing details about inscription locations, content, and historical context.
South Indian Inscriptions: This series, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, includes several volumes dedicated to inscriptions from Karnataka, with some containing references to inscriptions found in Bengaluru.
The Indian Antiquary: This pioneering journal of Oriental research, published from 1872 to 1916, featured numerous articles and translations of inscriptions from Bengaluru, offering valuable insights into early interpretations and discoveries.
Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project: This citizen-led initiative has created a comprehensive database of Bengaluru inscriptions, including photographs, translations, and geographical coordinates. Their interactive Google Map and associated website also serve as important resources for accessing and learning about these historical treasures.
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and new publications and resources documenting Bengaluru inscriptions continue to emerge. The Inscription Stones of Bangalore Facebook Group and the Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project website are valuable resources for staying updated on the latest discoveries and research regarding these historical records.
The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru are significant for several reasons:
They fill gaps in the historical record: Many events and personalities not mentioned in traditional histories are documented in these inscriptions, enriching our understanding of the past.
They illuminate cultural and social life: The inscriptions provide details about everyday life, including social customs, economic practices, and artistic expressions.
They showcase diverse languages and scripts: The stones are inscribed in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, and even Persian, reflecting the multilingual and multicultural heritage of the region.
However, these valuable relics face several threats:
Urban development: Rapid urbanization has led to the destruction or damage of many inscription stones.
Neglect and vandalism: Lack of awareness and protection often renders these stones vulnerable to neglect and vandalism.
Weather and natural factors: Weathering and natural disasters can also erode and damage the inscriptions.
The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru (ISB), a citizen-led initiative, is dedicated to protecting and promoting these historical treasures. Their efforts include:
Documentation and mapping: Creating a comprehensive database of inscription locations, photographs, and translations.
Advocacy and outreach: Raising awareness about the importance of these stones and advocating for their preservation.
Several methods that can be adopted for advocacy and outreach include:
a) On-site Visits:
Conducting independent visits to specific locations.
Effectively communicating the cultural and historical significance to local residents.
Highlighting the need to protect inscriptions to ensure the preservation of Bengaluru's history.
b) Public Involvement:
Hosting workshops open to the public, enabling active participation in activities related to inscription preservation.
Organizing events that celebrate the cultural significance of inscriptions.
Communicating the cultural and historical importance of the inscriptions to local residents.
Through interactive sessions and immersive experiences, the aim is to cultivate a deeper connection between local residents and the inscriptions, encouraging active involvement in their protection.
c) Educational Initiatives:
Collaborating with colleges and educational institutions to integrate the study of Inscription Stones.
Developing workshops, lectures, and educational materials to enhance understanding and appreciation among students and educators, ensuring the preservation message is passed on to future generations.
Organizing internships to provide valuable opportunities for interested individuals and students
Collaboration with authorities: Working with government agencies and archaeological departments to ensure proper protection and conservation.
Media Attraction and Coverage: It serves as a crucial tool in raising public awareness about the inscription stones, reaching a broader audience and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for their safeguarding. The stories in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms help start conversations about our cultural heritage, inspiring people to actively join in and support.
The Incredible Inscription Stones of Bengaluru Google Map[edit]
The 'Inscription Stones of Bengaluru' Google Map, initiated as a citizen project in 2018 and now actively developed by the Mythic Society's Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Team, is a comprehensive online resource documenting nearly 1,500 inscriptions. This map is accessible to everyone with online access through a computer or smartphone and serves as a centralized repository of information, consolidating data from various sources. With features such as a search option, color-coded periods, and detailed information on each inscription, the map plays a crucial role in promoting public engagement with Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage.
Inscriptions documented in the Epigraphia Carnatica Vol 9 and its Supplement, as well as those mentioned in the Mysore Archeological Reports, QJMS, Itihasa Darshana, Itihasa Darpana, Karnataka Lochana, Sadahane, newspaper articles, social media, etc., have all been compiled and marked on the map. Moreover, the map undergoes continuous updates to incorporate additional information and reflect any changes or recent discoveries.
The Features of the map
The map includes a search option that allows users to find information such as individuals' names, place names, references to lakes, taxes, temples, and other related content within the inscriptions' text.
The map Represents Various icons to represent Inscriptions:
Purple Heart: The inscription is well digitized as a 3d model by the team
Green Heart: which represents that the inscription stone is present at the site
Red Skull: The Inscription is no longer traceable or might have been vandalized
Question Mark: The current status of the inscription is not known
By clicking on the icons on the map, explanation of the information that can be obtained such as
The Inscription date
The present status of the inscription which also refers to the physical condition of the inscription, it also includes whether the inscription is intact or damaged
The English translation of the inscription is also given which provides a readable and understandable version of the text in English.
The English Transliteration which provides the text of the inscription in the IAST format
The Kannada transliteration of the inscription is also given which provides a representation of the inscription's text in the Kannada alphabet.
The documentation source plays a very important role which refers to the publication or record in which the inscription was first documented
The rereading of the inscription is also given which is done by the team
The map uses a color-coding scheme to represent the different periods from which the inscriptions originate.
This allows users to quickly identify the age of each inscription and gain a general understanding of the chronological distribution of inscriptions across Bengaluru. In addition to the color-coding scheme, the map also includes labels that provide more specific information about the dating of each inscription. The color scheme is as follows:
Brown: 500-700CE
Purple: 700-800CE
Dark Violet: 800-900CE
Light Violet: 900-1000CE
Blue: 1000-1100CE
Green: 11001200CE
Yellow: 1200-1300CE
Orange: 1300-1400CE
Lavender: 1400-1500CE
Pink: 1500-1600CE
The use of color and labels on the map makes it a valuable tool for visualizing and understanding the chronology of Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage.
This information can be used to identify patterns and trends in inscription distribution, track the evolution of epigraphic styles, and gain insights into the historical development of the city.
The role of GIS in Visualizing and Analyzing Epigraphic Heritage:
Geographical Information System (GIS) technology has revolutionized the way we visualize and analyze spatial data, providing powerful tools for understanding patterns and relationships across landscapes. In the context of epigraphic heritage, GIS plays a crucial role in mapping inscriptions, revealing insights into historical development, cultural diffusion, and societal dynamics.
By mapping the inscriptions' locations, researchers and enthusiasts can gain a broader understanding of the spatial dynamics of Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage. The areas can be easily identified with a
Concentrating of inscriptions
Examining patterns of inscription distributed over the time
Exploring the relationship between inscriptions and other historical landmarks.
a)The first step in utilizing GIS for epigraphic analysis is to accurately map the locations of inscriptions. By pointing the co-ordinates of each inscription, researchers and enthusiasts create a spatial database that serves as the foundation for further analysis. This mapped data provides a visual representation of the distribution of inscriptions across a region, allowing for the identification of patterns and trends.
b)GIS technology also enables the analysis of inscriptions' distribution patterns over time. By assigning dates to inscriptions, researchers can create chronological maps that show how the distribution of inscriptions has changed over the centuries.
c)By overlaying inscription locations with data on ancient settlements, temples, or fortifications, researchers can identify correlations between inscription distribution and other aspects of historical development.
d)One of the key insights that can be gained from mapping inscription locations is the identification of areas with a concentration of inscriptions also by studying the characteristics of these inscription, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical dynamics of the region.
How the Google Map is helpful for the study?
The map serves as a centralized repository of information about Bengaluru's inscriptions, consolidating data from various sources and making it easily accessible to researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Users can easily browse through the map, zoom in on specific inscriptions, and access detailed information about their dates, locations, translations, and historical contexts.
The map has played a crucial role in promoting public engagement with Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive information make it accessible to a broader audience, including students, enthusiasts, and the general public.
By providing interactive features and educational resources, the map enhances learning opportunities and encourages active participation in the study of epigraphy.
This could possibly be the first instance in India where an online map containing 1500 inscriptions of a significantly large region has been developed.
Similar online maps containing information about inscriptions throughout the entire country will enable a more comprehensive and profound understanding of these inscriptions and, consequently, history.
The map has been viewed more than 328,702 times, not only by historians but also by the general public. Anyone with online access via a computer or smartphone can utilize the map to gain insights into the inscriptions of the Bengaluru region.
This online map, titled "Inscription Stones of Bengaluru on Google Maps," was initially developed as a citizen initiative and is currently undergoing further enhancement and development by the Mythic Society's Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Team.
The Google map was started as a citizen initiative (led by our Project Director) in 2018 and is now actively further developed by the Mythic Society- Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D digital team.
The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru stand as silent witnesses to the city's rich history. By understanding and protecting them, we can bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring that the voices of generations gone by continue to echo through the bustling streets of Bengaluru.
Note: This Wikipedia article draft is meant to be a starting point generated using Bard. Please feel free to expand on the information provided, add relevant references, and include details about specific inscriptions and initiatives. The goal is to create a comprehensive and informative article that highlights the significance of the Inscription Stones of Bengaluru.
