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Archeological discoveries are as important in determining a country’s history as the literary compositions. Research into the houses, costumes, graves, weapons, utensils, inscriptions, coins, art and sculpture of the times form the basis of concluding the history. It is possible to unearth invaluable information from these resources.
Coins:
Coins are very significant in determining the history of a country. They are as important in establishing a region’s history as the ancient inscriptions. Coins came into circulation only after 6 AD. Several kings had their own unique coins crafted, with their pictures embossed on them. These coins were made out of silver, gold, copper, bronze etc. They reveal the lives and financial conditions of those times. It also helps understand the artistic proclivity prevalent then. Coins are the only source of information regarding some kingdoms and historic events.
We know about the defeat of Shaka Nahapana in the hands of the Shatavahana king only from the coins that were issued to commemorate the event. The gold and silver coins of the Vijayanagar emperors reveal a lot about those times.
Monuments-Art-Sculpture:
Monuments, art and sculpture depict the cultural heritage of a country. Sometimes, certain historical aspects not obtained in literature and inscriptions can be found in monuments. Karnataka has a lot of these monuments. Kadambas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagar kings have all built beautiful temples and colossal monuments. Ancient structures like palaces, temples, public rooms and houses provide great material for research into their way of life. For example, the temples in Belur and Halebid not only illustrate their artistic superiority but also reflect the people of those times, their lives, their costumes and the cultural richness. They are a great source for establishing the cultural history of the period.
The ruins of Hampi reveal the splendor of the Vijayanagar kingdom. Badami, Aihole and Pattadakallu temples speak of the Chalukyas, Banvasi temples of the Kadamba rule, Talakadu temples speak of the Gangas, Kote Ganapathi temples of the bravery of Coorg, Mysore palace of the Wodeyars, Chitradurga’s stone fort speaks of Rani Chennamma’s valor and Shravanabelagola’s stone temples portray Chavundaraya’s religious tolerance. There are many more of these structures & monuments that describe the evolution of Karnataka’s history.
In the next segment, we will study about the contributions and administration of kings, governors and Palegars(local heads) who ruled Karnataka.
Translated by Vani Srikanta
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