Mysuru: A two-day State-level workshop on ‘Kannada Inscriptions in Karnataka and Beyond,’ organised by the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK) under the Department of Higher Education at the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), began yesterday.
Inaugurating the event, Prof. D.V. Paramashivamurthy, Vice- Chancellor, Hampi Kannada University, said, “This workshop will facilitate a comparative study of the cultural and historical ties between Karnataka and regions outside the State. Inscriptions found in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Keralam are crucial for understanding ancient Karnataka’s cultural linkages, art, architecture and provincial administration with neighbouring States.”
He further stated that, most inscriptions discovered in Karnataka were land and grant charters (Dana Shasanas). “These records provide evidence that grants were given not merely for ritualistic adherence, but to uplift the underprivileged. Detailed studies are needed to ascertain if similar grant inscriptions exist in neighbouring States. We must examine whether the acts of sacrifice, heroism, hunting traditions, political affairs and religious developments expressed in Kannada inscriptions are mirrored in outside regions” he said and added that inscription texts help us understand the prevalent religions and sectarian conflicts of the era, enabling comparative analysis — such as juxtaposing religious conflicts in Tamil Nadu with those in Karnataka.
“Through this workshop, the CESCK has set the stage for re-evaluating these records by bringing together prominent epigraphists from across South India,” he said.
Chief guest Prof. Srinivas Padigar, retired Professor from Dharwad, delivered a presentation featuring inscriptions from various historic sites, including the ‘Sri Utpatti Pidugu’ inscriptions at the Kudaveli Sangameshwara Temple in Alampur (Andhra Pradesh), the Jalasangi Kallesheshwara Temple in Bidar, the Kedareshwara Temple in Dharmapuri (Maharashtra) and the Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram.
He noted that while these inscriptions have been published in ‘Kannada Inscriptions of Andhra Pradesh’ volumes by Kannada University, certain errors remain in those publications that require editorial correction.
CIIL Director Prof. Basavaraja Kodagunti, Classical Languages Coordinator Dr. L.R. Prem Kumar, CESCK Director Prof. N.M. Talawar, staff members of the Classical Kannada Institute, epigraphy enthusiasts and scholars were present.
This post was published on August 6, 2026 7:30 pm