A Nishidhi stone inscription belonging to the 12th century was found in a forest on the outskirts of Ganidalu village in Umblebailu Gram Panchayat limits recently.
R. Shejeshwara, Assistant Director, Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums, told The Hindu that the discovery was made during a field work undertaken by students of the National Service Scheme wing of Shivamogga-based Acharya Tulasi National College of Commerce in Ganidalu. The inscription is 90-cm long and 37-cm wide and is chiselled from schist rock slab.
He said that six lines are carved in archaic Kannada language. Based on the language used, historians said it belonged to the 12th century. The inscription speaks of one Hosavisetty and his wife Kanamve taking ‘sallekhana vratha’ here in the presence of Sena Bhatharaka, a Jain seer.
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The images of Hosavisetty, Kanamve, and Sena Bhatharaka are carved on the inscription. The intricate carvings of an umbrella, popularly known as mukkode, and the images of sun and moon are also found. Nishidhi stone inscriptions are issued to commemorate those who perform sallekhana vratha.
Mr. Shejeshwara said the remnants of a Jain Basadi were also found here during the field work.