By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: An Eastern Ganga era inscribed stone panel is found in a neglected manner in Peddapadu locality near Srikakulam town. This archaeological artefact was rediscovered during the listing & documentation campaign- ‘Relics of Kalinga in South India’ undertaken by INTACH Odisha. It was noticed by INTACH’s Project Co-ordinator Deepak Kumar Nayak & Surveyor Bikram Nayak during their survey in Srikakulam region.
According to Deepak Kumar Nayak, the inscribed stone was found lying near the Mrutyunjayeswar Shiva temple in the Peddapadu market area. The information on this inscription was previously published in the book ‘South Indian Inscriptions Vol- XL’. The inscription is from the time of 14th regnal year of Eastern Ganga King Bhanudeva III. Inscribed in Telugu script & language there are total 11 lines of writings found over the panel. It speaks about a grant of land made for providing food offerings to the God Somanatha by one Nandamaharaju.
It also mentions a name Mallinatha. The land grant was made in the Saka year 1287 (year 1365 CE) on Karkata Sukla 5, Friday. The name of the King ‘Virasribhanu’ can be identified as Eastern Ganga King Bhanudeva III. Historian Krishna Chandra Panigrahi in his ‘History of Orissa’ assigns the ruling period of Bhanudeva III from year 1352-1378 CE. Dr. Panigrahi writes Bhanudeva III was the son of Narasimha Deva III by his queen Kamala Devi. He is known from several records from Srikurmam, Simhachalam & Mukhalingam.
The importance of this historic archaeological remain is currently being overlooked. Given its significant historical value, its state of conservation is alarmingly poor. The inscribed stone slab holds great importance equally for Odisha & Andhra Pradesh, as parts of both states were once within Kalinga territory. Therefore, it should be relocated to a museum or its safekeeping must be guaranteed. Mr. Deepak Nayak has urged the archaeology department to take immediate action to ensure its protection.
