A tragedy recorded for posterity: inscription near temple in Karnataka lists drought deaths in 1539, Pg6

A 16th-century inscription found at Chandrashekara temple in Guttala, Haveri (Karnataka) documents 6,307 drought deaths in 1539 CE.

• Considered the first epigraphic record of a humanitarian disaster due to natural calamity in Indian history.

• Inscription is in Kannada language and script, dated Saka 1461 (August 18, 1539 CE).

• Bodies were carried in baskets and buried by Marulaiah Odeya during the reign of Immadi Ramasara of Guttavala.

• Sculpture accompanying the inscription shows a person carrying bodies in a basket — rare visual representation of a calamity.

• The term bara (famine) or drought is explicitly mentioned.

• The discovery is significant for its socio-economic documentation, reflecting climatic, demographic, and administrative insights.

• It provides evidence of local coping mechanisms and how communities historically responded to such crises.

• Could help researchers trace historical climate patterns, administrative responses, and community resilience.

• Found by the Epigraphy wing of ASI, which has recorded over 1,000 inscriptions during 2024–25.

• Epigraphy: Study and interpretation of ancient inscriptions as a source of historical information.

• Bara: Traditional term in Kannada and other Indian languages for famine or drought.

• Saka Era: A historical calendar used in India, beginning in 78 CE, often used in inscriptions.

• Highlights how inscriptions act as primary sources for understanding natural disasters and their socio-cultural effects.

• Enhances our grasp of India’s climate history, historical public health crises, and administrative efforts.

• Encourages interdisciplinary research linking history, archaeology, geography, and environmental studies.

Mains Mock Question:

How do epigraphic records enhance our understanding of natural calamities in Indian history? Discuss with reference to the recent discovery in Karnataka.