Historical discovery

An inscription dating back to 1156 AD found at Vadaparthi village near Bhongir in Nalgonda throws light on the period of Jagadheka Malla-II of Western Chalukyas

Archaeology Department officials inspecting the inscription found at Vadaparthi village near Bhongir in Nalgonda district.– Photo: Singam Venkataramana

he discovery of an inscription laid by Jagadheka Malla-II of Western Chalukyas had given vital clues in the history.

The inscription dating back to 1156 AD was found at Vadaparthi village near Bhongir in Nalgonda district on Sunday.

The inscription on black basalt stone was engraved in Telugu and Kannada languages on three sides and was laid on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya celebrations in 1156 AD.

According to the inscription, Jagadheka Malla-II had donated a piece of land, a flower garden to meet the expenses of ‘dhupa deepa naivedhyam’ in the local Shivalayam and also for dance performances and musical programmes to enthral the villagers during festivals.

Prior to the discovery of this particular inscription, the historians used to believe that Jagadheka Malla-II ruled the area between 1138 AD and 1150 AD, but this inscription had extended his rule to 1156 AD.

Speaking to

The Hindu , Assistant Director at Department of Archaeology and Museums, P. Nagaraju said that now the history books have to be revised indicating that his rule did not end in 1150 but continued even further.

“The inscription also brought to light the existence of Akshaya Tritiya some 950 years ago in Telangana State. Not many inscriptions prior to that had mentioned about this festival, he observed.

The villagers had found this inscription at Simbuni Marri area on the outskirts of Vadaparthi few days ago.

Following information from the villagers, the Archaeology officials had visited the spot on Thursday. The villagers also agreed to put the inscription on a pedestal near the Sivalayam within a month by collecting donations from locals to protect it. Western Chalukyas ruled South India making Kalyani, currently called Basvakalyan located in Bidar district of Karnataka State, as their capital between 973 AD and 1200 AD. They were also called Kalyani Chalukyas since they made Kalyani as their capital.

Western Chalukya king, Vikramaditya-VI, who was also called Tribhuvana Malla, had constructed the famous Bhongir Fort. Bhongir was named after Tribhuvana Malla.

Now history books have to be revised indicating that the rule of Jagadheka Malla-II of Western Chalukyas did not end in 1150, but continued even further

P. Nagaraju

Department of Archaeology and Museums,