Daijiworld Media Network—Beltangady (RD/CN)
 
Beltangady, Jan 24: A historical tablet (an inscription on a slab of stone) believed to date back to King Achyutraya of Vijayanagar dynasty, was unearthed recently at Guddekeri near Agumbe, in Teertahalli taluk of Shimoga district, said historian and Ujire SDM College head of department of history Dr Y Umanath Shenoy.
 
King Achyutaraya, stepbrother of Krishnadevaraya, succeeded the latter and was enthroned in 1529 AD.  King Achyutaraya had defeated the rebellious rulers of Bijapur, Golconda, and Orissa, which were under Vijayanagar and restored peace and security.  Achyutaraya is believed to have promoted Vedic rites and contemporary religious practices in his kingdom, Dr Shenoy added.
 
The rare tablet that was unearthed in the midst of a dense forest at Guddekeri sheds light on politics, religious, and social status prevailed in that era. 

The tablet has an inscription of paddy sheaves on the top and sages holding traditional vessels in their hands while the devotees welcome them as well as depictions of the sun, moon, and cattle. 

The tablet which is 128 cms in height, 60 cms in width, and 10 cms in thickness, also contains 34 lines of inscription both in Sanskrit and Kannada.  This rare tablet sheds light on the past splendor of the Vijayanagar dynasty, said Dr Shenoy. 
 
Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatheshwara Culture and Research Foundation member Dr Vignaraj also assisted in the unearthing of this historic tablet.