New inscription throws more light on Tuluva history

UDUPI: Prof Murugeshi, epigraphist, and his team member Prashanth Shetty have to their credit another important historical discovery which throws light on the Tuluva history.
Prof Murugeshi, professor of Department of Ancient History and Archeology, MSRS College, Shirva, Udupi district, said that a pillar inscription of great significance was discovered on the premises of Malathi V Kurup at Jeppu.The rectangular inscription is about 4 feet in height, and has four faces. On the front face, 27 lines are written and on the rear back 26 lines. There are 53 lines written in Kannada script. At the top on the first face is a Nandi and Shivalinga engraved in bas-relief, on the back top of the inscription is unidentified sculpture, probably of Lord Ganesh.
The inscription starts with the auspicious word Swasthi Shri and is dated in Saka era as Jayabhyudaya Shakabda 1305, ne dundhubhi savtsarada, magha shuddha 5 lu this corresponded to A D 1384.
For the first time, this epigraph introduces Chowdarasa as a minister and his son Malagarsa ruling Mangaluru Rajya, hitherto unknown in the records of Tulunadu. Chronologically this record belongs to the Vijayangar era, but interestingly no reference of the Vijayangar empire or ruling family is found. With this inscription, two more new officers of the Vijayanagar period have been added to the Tulunadu history.
The inscription also mentions Aalanti Mutt and a Siri Ganga Heggade of Kuvalam Bali for the first time. The inscription is now preserved in archaeological museum of M S R S College, Shirva, and is under detail study.