Vijayanagar inscriptions saved

​Amaravati: Amaralingeswara Swamy temple in Amaravati is a treasure trove for archaeologists and history buffs. The inscriptions on the pillar in the temple are a treatise on the life and times of the Vijayanagar kings.

Amidst the reports that the inscriptions might be damaged due to the ongoing renovation works, the archaeological department officials have literally raised pillars to save the inscriptions.

These inscriptions are carved during the times of Saluva and Tuluva dynasty kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. Famed king Sri Krishna Devaraya visited the temple and constructed Tulabhara Mandapam to mark his visit and also set an inscription in stone in the temple.

When the officials started the flooring works as a part of giving facelift to the temple, the pillars with inscriptions caved in and experts and history lovers feared that the inscriptions on the pillars might get lost.

Taking problem into consideration, the archaeology department has taken steps to protect inscriptions in the temple. Following instructions from the director of museums G V Rama Krishna and advisor to State government Galla Amareswar the officials decided to raise the pillars by some inches to save the inscriptions that are at the base of the pillars.

Apart from raising the pillars, they have even made arrangements so that people visiting the temple can read the inscriptions. There are more inscriptions carved out on the stones on the banks of River Krishna and with plans to construct a ghat for the upcoming Krishna Pushkaralu the archaeological department officials are gearing up to protect these stones. Speaking to The Hans India, director of museums GV Rama Krishna said that the process of raising pillars is completed.

“We have also taken steps to protect the ancient inscriptions at Malkapuram in Thullur mandal. We have requested the CRDA officials to allot at least ten acres of land to facilitate the construction of State museum in Amaravati,” he added.

By:V L Syam Sundar