KADAMBA INSCRIPTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: 10th century Kadamba inscription written in Kannada, Sanskrit found in Goa.

Kadamba Inscription

• Discovery: The inscription was found at the Mahadeva temple in Cacoda, southern Goa.
• Literary Style and Period: The inscription mirrors the literary style of Talangre inscription from the same period, specifically during Jayasimha I's reign.
• Message of the Inscription: The inscription conveys the message of Talara Nevayya’s son, Gundayya. He took a vow to fulfill his father’s desire, which was capturing a gopura of the port of Goa. Gundayya fought and ultimately sacrificed his life to fulfill his father’s wish.
• Composition Style: The record is crafted as a vocal statement, narrating the sorrowful tale of a grieving father lamenting the death of his son.

Kadamba Dynasty (345-535 C.E.)

• Extent: The Kadamba dynasty, an ancient Indian ruling family, governed parts of South India, specifically the contemporary Karnataka region, from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE.
• Founder: Mayurasharma, originally a subordinate of the Pallavas, a prominent South Indian dynasty, is believed to have founded the Kadamba dynasty.
• Capital: Initially, the Kadamba dynasty's capital was Banavasi, situated in present-day Karnataka. Later, the capital shifted to Vaijayanti, modern-day Banavasi.
• End: The Kadamba kingdom met its demise when Pulakeshin II captured Banavasi during Ajavarman's reign.