Vijayanagara king’s 16th-century inscriptions come to light in Seshachalam forest, Tirupati

Why in news

ASI discovered 16th-century inscriptions in Seshachalam forest documenting King Sadasivaraya's pilgrimage and donations, highlighting medieval cultural and linguistic diversity.

Background

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered three rare inscriptions in Sadasivakona, Tirupati district. The inscriptions are written in Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada, recording the pilgrimage and donations of King Sadasivaraya.

Facts for Prelims

• PlaceSadasivakona is located in the Seshachalam forest of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh
• PostK. Muniratnam Reddy served as the Director (Epigraphy) of ASI Mysuru during the discovery
• FactThe inscriptions date back to the 16th century and record donations to temples and religious institutions
• BodyArchaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the primary body responsible for archaeological research and preservation in India

For Mains

Q. Discuss how epigraphic evidence from the Vijayanagara period helps in reconstructing the socio-religious and linguistic landscape of medieval South India.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Linguistic synthesis: Evidence of trilingual (Telugu, Tamil, Kannada) inscriptions reflecting regional cultural integration
• Religious patronage: Documentation of royal donations as a tool for state-sponsored religious and social infrastructure
• Preservation challenges: Balancing archaeological documentation with ecological conservation in protected forest areas like Seshachalam

Keywords: Epigraphy · Vijayanagara Empire · Cultural Heritage · Socio-religious landscape · Archaeological Preservation

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