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Draft:Inscription Stones of Bengaluru

Inscription Stones of Bengaluru

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The region Bengaluru in Karnataka contains over 1,500 historical stone inscriptions. Spanning a period of more than 1,500 years, these inscriptions detail the political, social, religious, and economic aspects of the region's past, making them key sources for tracing Bengaluru's transformation from a modest settlement to a bustling metropolis. Within the limits of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, approximately 175 stone inscriptions have been documented in various publications.

Types of Inscriptions in Bengaluru

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Vīragallus with inscriptions

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These artifacts are erected to immortalize individuals who have given their life performing heroic deeds to protect their community. Many of these, dating as far back as the 9th and 10th centuries, dot the greater Bengaluru region and act as valuable sources of socio-cultural and micro-history. Vīragallus have been found in T.Dasarahalli, Hebbal, Begur and Kaikondrahalli

Grants and Donations

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These inscriptions record land grants, gifts to temples, and other acts of charity. They provide information about land ownership, social hierarchies, and economic activity.[1] Inscriptions of this kind are found in Jakkur, Allalasandra and Kethamaranahalli.

Temple Inscriptions

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These inscribe details about temple construction, patronages, and rituals. They reveal the antiquity and significance of various temples in Bengaluru and provide insights into the religious dynamics of the past.[2] Temples at Malleshwaram, Domlur, Madivala, Begur. Belur and Vibhutipura contain such inscriptions.

Royal Decrees and Orders

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These pronouncements by rulers and officials offer insights into administrative practices, legal systems, and political events. Such inscriptions are found in Domlur, Madivala, Kumbarahalli and Begur.

Nisidhi Inscriptions

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These are Jaina religious inscriptions erected in remembrance of people who voluntarily led themselves to death by a ritual called Sallekhana.[3] Examples of such inscriptions are found in Begur and Kalya.

Commissions for Construction

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The 750CE Hebbal-Kittayya hero-stone with inscription

These are inscriptions that document the building of Lakes, Santhes (Markets), Temples, Villages etc.[4] Such inscriptions are found in Ramasandra, Hoodi and Begur.

 
16th-century Singaperumal Nambiyar Tamil Inscription, Cŏkkanātha Temple
 
Malleshwaram 1669CE Ekoji Inscription

Epigraphy of Localities

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Historical inscriptions are widespread across numerous localities around the city. They indicate the antiquity of human presence and history of numerous modern settlements. They often also contribute to toponymical studies of these areas.

Hebbal

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The Hebbal Kittayya Inscription found in this locality is one of the oldest of the city, dated to 750 CE. This inscribed hero-stone was rediscovered on May 1, 2018.[5] The name Perbboḷalnāḍu, mentioned in the inscription, is thought to be the archaic form of the contemporary name Hebbal.[6] Inscriptions recording donations from the 17th century CE are also found in the area. By this period, these texts already refer to the territory by its current name.[7]

Domlur

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Main article: Domlur (bengaluru) inscriptions

Most ancient inscriptions of this locality document donations to the Cŏkkanātha Temple.[7] This temple was likely first established in the 13th century CE and continued to be patronized well into the 16th century CE before going into disuse.[8] Inscriptions refer to the region by various names such as Tombalur, Dombalur, and Tesi Manicka Patanam, the first being the oldest as well as most common. These texts are rich with names of patrons, priests and rituals of the temple and many other social features. [9]

Malleshwaram

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Main article: Malleshwaram, Bengaluru inscriptions

An inscription in this area commissioned by Maratha king Ekoji records a donation to the deity Mallikarjuna. It is dated to 1669 CE, and mentions the village Mallapura, a archaic version of the modern name of the area.[10]

Jakkur

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Main article: Jakkur Bengaluru inscriptions
 
Kalnadu 10th century CE inscription

Inscriptions dated ranging from the 9th to the 15th centuries CE have been found in this area. Two undatable inscriptions estimated palaeographically to be from circa 10th century have been discovered here in recent years. One of these contains the word "jakkiyū", which is possibly an archaic form of the modern name.[11] An inscription recording a land grant from 1342 CE makes clear mention of Jakkur as a village. [7]

Chikkabanavara

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Chikkabanavara 17th-century Brahmin Krishna Inscription
Main article: Chikkabanavara (Bengaluru) Inscriptions

Inscriptions dating from the 12th to the 17th centuries CE have been recorded in this locality. Most of these inscriptions are recent discoveries made during the renovation of a Kalyani in the area. One of these, palaeographically dated to circa 17th century CE, reads "kam. . .banavara", suggesting that the name goes back at least four centuries. Other inscriptions in this area also have unique features. One seems to have inscribed the invocatory verse of Bāṇabhaṭṭa's Harṣacarita, for example. Another has cryptic lines which cannot be contextualized, though the "rāja bāṇasura" mentioned could possibly relate to the name of the principality.

Allalasandra

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Allalasandra Yantra Stone Inscription
Main article: Allalasandra (Bengaluru) Inscriptions and Herostones

The locality has within inscriptions dated between the 11th and 19th centuries CE. One currently untraceable inscription dated to 1340CE records land being donated to one sēnabhōva Allāl̤a, who is possibly the individual the village is named after.[7] Another inscription dated 1544 CE mentions the village by its current name and records that the whole village was donated for the worship of "lord Alāl̤anātha of Jakur". A yantra stone with an inscription dated palaeographically to the 19th century CE mentions "Āl̤alasamudra", an archaic version of modern parlance.[11]

Singapura

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Main article: Singapura inscriptions
 
Chikkabettahalli Singappanayaka Inscription

All inscriptions referring to this village revolve around the temple of the deity today called Varadarāja. The first of these is found at nearby Chikkabettahalli village dated 1524 CE, which records one Singapanāyaka donating said village to the deity Tiruvēnagal̤anāta of Tirumalē at Singāpura.[7] It is thought possible that the village of Singāpura received its name from the same Singapanāyaka. Two further inscriptions dated 1528 CE and 1530 CE from Singapura and Harohalli respectively also refer to temple donations using the name of the area still prevalent today. [12]

Dasarahalli (Tumkur Road)

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Dasarahalli Skirmish Hero Stone

Inscribed hero stones dated from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE have been found in this area. Two of these stones commemorate heroes who fell during cattle raids. Two others record warriors dying in war and skirmish. [7]

Yalahanka

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While Yalahanka-nadu, also refered to as Elava, Yelavaka and Illaipaka in various records, was a major principality from the 15th to 17th centuries CE, not much of its traces are found in the present day locality of the same name.[8] Epigraphy in the modern bounds of this area are limited to inscriptions at the Veṇugopāla temple. Three inscriptions on the Garudagamba of the temple records the erection of the pillar for an Ānjaneya temple by Seṭṭi merchants.[7]

Begur

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Begur Herostone mentioning Bĕṃpūru

This is an ancient locality with an abundance of epigraphical evidence. An inscription found in this locality, dated to circa 10th century CE provides the first recorded use of the name "Bĕngal̤ūr" for the region of the modern city. [13]An inscribed herostone found here dated to 890CE, identifies this region as 'Bĕṃpūru' a possible archaic version of the modern name. This same inscription also contains mentions of numerous other ancient settlements in the Bengaluru region. The Nāgeshvara temple complex has numerous inscriptions dating from the 11th to 15th centuries CE. The earliest of these refer to the area as "Veppūr" an archaic form of Begur.[7] Numerous memorial stones have been found in the area dating to the 9th and 10th centuries CE. An inscription from 1416 CE records the existence of a Jinālaya in this region, the ruins of which can still be found.

Belur

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Belur 1381CE Donation Inscription

This village, now the location of National Aerospace Laboratories campus, has a temple complex housing multiple Tamil inscriptions. The earliest of these is in and dated to 1295 CE and is engraved on the basement of the Sōmēsvara Temple in the complex.[8] Another donation inscription dated 1381 mentions 'Vēlūr', the archaic version of the present name.[7] Sculptures from the 8th and 10th centuries have been found at this complex, pushing the date of this settlement back further.

Languages and Scripts Used in Bengaluru Inscriptions

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Most inscriptions in the city are in the Kannada and Tamil languages. Some epigraphs in Telugu and Sanskrit have also been found. A few inscriptions from the 18th century CE onwards are also in Persian. Various scripts, such as Kannada, Grantha, Tamil, Devanagari and Persian, have been used as suitable in these inscriptions.

Publications Documenting Bengaluru's Inscriptions

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Epigraphia Carnatica

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This series, published by the Mysore Archaeological Department and later the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Karnataka, is the most comprehensive source of inscription information in Karnataka. Its ninth volume[7], published in 1905, specifically focuses on Bangalore District and covers almost 1500 inscriptions from the region.

Mysore Archaeology Reports

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These Annual Report of Mysore Archaeology Department starting from the late 19th century document new inscription discoveries made by members of the Archaeological Survey of Mysore during fieldwork. Reports from years ending 1910,1914, 1915, 1919, 1922 and 1942 record findings from the region of Bengaluru.[13]

South Indian Inscriptions

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This series, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, includes several volumes dedicated to inscriptions from Karnataka, with some containing references to inscriptions found in Bengaluru.

The Indian Antiquary

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This pioneering journal of Oriental research, published from 1872 to 1916, featured numerous articles and translations of inscriptions from Bengaluru, offering valuable insights into early interpretations and discoveries.

Local Journals and Articles

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Numerous local journals and research articles have featured studies and translations of specific Bengaluru inscriptions, offering in-depth analysis and interpretations. Notably, publications like Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society, Itihasa Darshana, and Itihasa Darpana, Sadhane, Karnataka Lochana, Kannada Sahitya parishatpatrike, Manavika Karnataka, Unpublished PhD Thesis have made significant contributions to documenting and understanding these historical records.

Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project

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The Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project is an initiative undertaken by the Mythic Society in Bengaluru, aiming to preserve the city's rich history through 3D digitalization of over 1500 ancient stone inscriptions spread across Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara districts.[14][15][8][16]

Importance and Preservation:

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The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru are significant for several reasons:

  • They fill gaps in the historical record: Many events and personalities not mentioned in traditional histories are documented in these inscriptions, enriching our understanding of the past.
  • They illuminate cultural and social life: The inscriptions provide details about everyday life, including social customs, economic practices, and artistic expressions.
  • They showcase diverse languages and scripts: The stones are inscribed in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, and even Persian, reflecting the multilingual and multicultural heritage of the region.

However, these valuable relics face several threats:

  • Urban development: Rapid urbanization has led to the destruction or damage of many inscription stones.
  • Neglect and vandalism: Lack of awareness and protection often renders these stones vulnerable to neglect and vandalism.
  • Weather and natural factors: Weathering and natural disasters can also erode and damage the inscriptions.

Efforts for Protection and Awareness:

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The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru (ISB), a citizen-led initiative, is dedicated to protecting and promoting these historical treasures. Their efforts include:

  • Documentation and mapping: Creating a comprehensive database of inscription locations, photographs, and translations.
  • Advocacy and outreach: Raising awareness about the importance of these stones and advocating for their preservation.

Several methods that can be adopted for advocacy and outreach include:

a) On-site Visits:

  1. Conducting independent visits to specific locations.
  2. Effectively communicating the cultural and historical significance to local residents.
  3. Highlighting the need to protect inscriptions to ensure the preservation of Bengaluru's history.

b) Public Involvement:

  1. Hosting workshops open to the public, enabling active participation in activities related to inscription preservation.
  2. Organizing events that celebrate the cultural significance of inscriptions.
  3. Communicating the cultural and historical importance of the inscriptions to local residents.
  4. Through interactive sessions and immersive experiences, the aim is to cultivate a deeper connection between local residents and the inscriptions, encouraging active involvement in their protection.

c) Educational Initiatives:

  1. Collaborating with colleges and educational institutions to integrate the study of Inscription Stones.
  2. Developing workshops, lectures, and educational materials to enhance understanding and appreciation among students and educators, ensuring the preservation message is passed on to future generations.
  3. Organizing internships to provide valuable opportunities for interested individuals and students.
  • Collaboration with authorities: Working with government agencies and archaeological departments to ensure proper protection and conservation.
  • Media Attraction and Coverage: It serves as a crucial tool in raising public awareness about the inscription stones, reaching a broader audience and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for their safeguarding. The stories in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms help start conversations about our cultural heritage, inspiring people to actively join in and support.[17][18][19][20][21]
 
Inscription Stones of Bangalore - Google Map (English)

The Incredible Inscription Stones of Bengaluru Google Map

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The 'Inscription Stones of Bengaluru' Google Map[22][23], initiated as a citizen project in 2018 and now actively developed by the Mythic Society's Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Team, is a comprehensive online resource documenting nearly 1,500 inscriptions. This map is accessible to everyone with online access through a computer or smartphone and serves as a centralized repository of information, consolidating data from various sources. With features such as a search option, color-coded periods, and detailed information on each inscription, the map plays a crucial role in promoting public engagement with Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage.

Inscriptions documented in the Epigraphia Carnatica Vol 9 and its Supplement[24], as well as those mentioned in the Mysore Archeological Reports, QJMS, Itihasa Darshana, Itihasa Darpana, Karnataka Lochana, Sadahane, newspaper articles, social media, etc., have all been compiled and marked on the map. Moreover, the map undergoes continuous updates to incorporate additional information and reflect any changes or recent discoveries.

The Features of the map

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Inscription Stones of Bangalore - Google Map (Kannada). PC: Wikimedia Commons

The map includes a search option that allows users to find information such as individuals' names, place names, references to lakes, taxes, temples, and other related content within the inscriptions' text.

The map represents various icons to represent Inscriptions:

  • Green Heart: which represents that the inscription stone is present at the site
  • Red Skull: The Inscription is no longer traceable or might have been vandalized
  • Question Mark: The current status of the inscription is not known

By clicking on the icons on the map, explanation of the information that can be obtained such as

  • The Inscription date
  • The present status of the inscription which also refers to the physical condition of the inscription, it also includes whether the inscription is intact or damaged
  • The English translation of the inscription is also given which provides a readable and understandable version of the text in English.
  • The English Transliteration which provides the text of the inscription in the IAST format
  • The Kannada transliteration of the inscription is also given which provides a representation of the inscription's text in the Kannada alphabet.
  • The documentation source plays a very important role which refers to the publication or record in which the inscription was first documented
  • The rereading of the inscription is also given which is done by the team

The map uses a color-coding scheme to represent the different periods from which the inscriptions originate.

This allows users to quickly identify the age of each inscription and gain a general understanding of the chronological distribution of inscriptions across Bengaluru. In addition to the color-coding scheme, the map also includes labels that provide more specific information about the dating of each inscription. The color scheme is as follows:

  • Brown: 500-700CE
  • Purple: 700-800CE
  • Dark Violet: 800-900CE
  • Light Violet: 900-1000CE
  • Blue: 1000-1100CE
  • Green: 11001200CE
  • Yellow: 1200-1300CE
  • Orange: 1300-1400CE
  • Lavender: 1400-1500CE
  • Pink: 1500-1600CE

The use of color and labels on the map makes it a valuable tool for visualizing and understanding the chronology of Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage.

This information can be used to identify patterns and trends in inscription distribution, track the evolution of epigraphic styles, and gain insights into the historical development of the city.

The role of GIS in Visualizing and Analyzing Epigraphic Heritage:

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Geographical Information System (GIS) technology has revolutionized the way we visualize and analyze spatial data, providing powerful tools for understanding patterns and relationships across landscapes. In the context of epigraphic heritage, GIS plays a crucial role in mapping inscriptions, revealing insights into historical development, cultural diffusion, and societal dynamics.

By mapping the inscriptions' locations, researchers and enthusiasts can gain a broader understanding of the spatial dynamics of Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage. The areas can be easily identified with a

  • Concentrating of inscriptions
  • Examining patterns of inscription distributed over the time
  • Exploring the relationship between inscriptions and other historical landmarks.

a)The first step in utilizing GIS for epigraphic analysis is to accurately map the locations of inscriptions. By pointing the co-ordinates of each inscription, researchers and enthusiasts create a spatial database that serves as the foundation for further analysis. This mapped data provides a visual representation of the distribution of inscriptions across a region, allowing for the identification of patterns and trends.

b)GIS technology also enables the analysis of inscriptions' distribution patterns over time. By assigning dates to inscriptions, researchers can create chronological maps that show how the distribution of inscriptions has changed over the centuries.

c)By overlaying inscription locations with data on ancient settlements, temples, or fortifications, researchers can identify correlations between inscription distribution and other aspects of historical development.

d)One of the key insights that can be gained from mapping inscription locations is the identification of areas with a concentration of inscriptions also by studying the characteristics of these inscription, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical dynamics of the region.

How the Google Map is helpful for the study?

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  • The map serves as a centralized repository of information about Bengaluru's inscriptions, consolidating data from various sources and making it easily accessible to researchers and enthusiasts alike.
  • Users can easily browse through the map, zoom in on specific inscriptions, and access detailed information about their dates, locations, translations, and historical contexts.
  • The map has played a crucial role in promoting public engagement with Bengaluru's epigraphic heritage. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive information make it accessible to a broader audience, including students, enthusiasts, and the general public.
  • By providing interactive features and educational resources, the map enhances learning opportunities and encourages active participation in the study of epigraphy.

This could possibly be the first instance in India where an online map containing 1500 inscriptions of a significantly large region has been developed.

Similar online maps containing information about inscriptions throughout the entire country will enable a more comprehensive and profound understanding of these inscriptions and, consequently, history.

The map has been viewed more than 328,702 times, not only by historians but also by the general public. Anyone with online access via a computer or smartphone can utilize the map to gain insights into the inscriptions of the Bengaluru region.

This online map, titled "Inscription Stones of Bengaluru on Google Maps," was initially developed as a citizen initiative and is currently undergoing further enhancement and development by the Mythic Society's Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Team.

The Google map was started as a citizen initiative (led by our Project Director) in 2018 and is now actively further developed by the Mythic Society- Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D digital team.

The Inscription Stones of Bengaluru stand as silent witnesses to the city's rich history. By understanding and protecting them, we can bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring that the voices of generations gone by continue to echo through the bustling streets of Bengaluru.

Further Reading

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Bengaluru: Digitised inscriptions unearth origins of 11th-century temple". Deccan Herald. 26 November 2022.
  2. ^ "'New Bengaluru' may have been the oldest". The Economic Times. 3 July 2019.
  3. ^ "Here lies the Bengaluru inscription..." Deccan Herald. 7 December 2009.
  4. ^ "Inscriptions help trace history of Bengaluru's lakes". Deccan Herald. 25 December 2023.
  5. ^ "Hebbal-Kittayya Mantapa - Historical landmark - Bengaluru - Karnataka | Yappe.in".
  6. ^ Krishnamurthy, P. V. (2018). "ಗಂಗ ಶ್ರೀಪುರುಷನ ಹೆಬ್ಬಾಳದ ಅಪ್ರಕಟಿತ ವೀರಗಲ್ಲು ಶಾಸನ". ಇತಿಹಾಸ ದರ್ಪಣ. 37–38: 177–182.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Rice, Benjamin Lewis (1905). Epigraphia Cranatica. Vol. 9. Bangalore: Mysore Government Central Press.
  8. ^ a b c d "43 Undocumented Bengaluru Inscriptions". Quarterly Journal of the Mythic Society. 113: 170–184. April–July 2022.
  9. ^ "'New Bengaluru' may have been the oldest". The Economic Times. 3 July 2019.
  10. ^ Rice, Benjamin Lewis (1905). "Suppliment". Epigraphia Carnatica. 9. Mysore Government Central Press.
  11. ^ a b "ಜಕ್ಕೂರು, ಅಲ್ಲಾಳಸಂದ್ರ, ಅಗ್ರಹಾರ, ದಾಸರಹಳ್ಳಿ". ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಇತಿಹಾಸ ವೈಭವ. 2. December 2021.
  12. ^ "Singapura". Bangaluru Itihaasa Vaibhava (Bengaluru's Grand History). 1. The Mythic Society. November 2021.
  13. ^ a b Report on the working of the Archaeological Researches in Mysore during the year 1914-15. Archaeological Survey of Mysore. 1916.
  14. ^ "Revolutionizing Inscription Conservation: The Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project". Research Gate. July 2023.
  15. ^ L, Udaya Kumar P. (January 2023). "Revolutionizing Inscription Conservation- The Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project". Studies in Indian Epigraphy (Bharatiya Purābhilekha Patrikā) JOURNAL OF THE EPIGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA a PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL. XLVIII – via Academia.
  16. ^ "BENGALURU ITIHASA VAIBHAVA - RAMANAGARA DISTRICT INSCRIPTIONS & HEROSTONES CATALOG PART-1 CHANNAPATNA TALUK, Feb-2023, Issue-4". Internet Archive. The Mythic Society. February 2023.
  17. ^ "Stones that tell stories". Bengaluru.com. 20 November 2023.
  18. ^ "Digitizing Bengaluru's ancient inscriptions with Artec 3D". Artec 3D. 24 Aug 2023.
  19. ^ "UK delegation explores use of tech in India to conserve heritage". Deccan Herald. 8 July 2023.
  20. ^ "Uncovering the history inscribed in stone". Deccan Herald. 9 February 2023.
  21. ^ "Mythic Society's Bengaluru Inscriptions 3D Digital Conservation Project seeks to rescue city's microhistory from oblivion". South First. 12 February 2024.
  22. ^ "Explore B'luru's inscriptions with digital aid". Deccan Herald. 5 November 2003.
  23. ^ "Bengaluru Inscriptions: Physical Status and Information Now Accessible on Google Maps !". Facebook. 17 January 2024.
  24. ^ Epigraphia Carnatica Vol 9 Supplementary (in Kannada).
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