17th century Uma Maheshwara sculpture found

Udupi: A unique Uma Maheshwara sculpture was discovered in Taggunje of Ajri gram panchayat, Kundapur taluk. The panchaloha (five-metal alloy) sculpture, approximately 35 cm tall and 26 cm wide, symbolises the confluence of Shaiva, Shakta, and Naga worship traditions. Seated on a high lotus pedestal, Shiva is depicted with a crown of matted hair, featuring three prominent cobra hoods. According to retired professor in ancient history and archaeology, Prof Murugeshi T, the sculpture is a 17th century idol of a relaxed Shiva with Parvati sitting on his left thigh. "Shiva holds a battle-axe in his upper right hand and a deer in his left. Shiva's right foot, which is lowered, touches Nandi. To Shiva's left is Ganesha, and to his right is Shanmukha. Behind the sculpture is an attractive makara emblem with a halo, and at the centre of the halo is a lion emblem. The style and features of the sculpture are indicative of the 12th century style," explained the professor."This sculpture serves as an excellent example for art historians, illustrating that dating based solely on art style is not always accurate. If the sculpture is separated from its base, there is a small two-line inscription on the upper part of the base. The first line reads ‘Murti Sakshi,' and the second line reads ‘Ga 3 Kera Shu 14,' (in Kannada) indicating that three gadyanas of gold were used, with 14 parts pure gold in this panchaloha statue, as stated in the inscription. The script characteristics belong to the 17th century, suggesting that this statue was made in the post-Vijayanagara period. Therefore, the sculpture belongs to the 17th century," he confirmed.He also expressed gratitude to Tonse Sudhakar Shetty, Taggunje Dayanand Shetty, Taggunje Sachin Shetty, Nagaraj Shetty, Raviraj Shetty, Manjaya Shetty, and B Harish Hegde, for their support in studying the sculpture.