Tucked away in an alley off Sarjapur Road in Kaikondrahalli, Bangalore, lies a remarkable piece of history—the Kaikondrahalli Inscription Stone. This ancient hero-stone, carved from white granite, dates back to the 9th century AD and reveals a tale of valor that has endured for over a thousand years. Shielded under a tree, this stone is a testament to the bravery of a warrior named Yereyanga, whose story has been preserved for generations to admire.
The Hero Stone’s Imagery: A Scene of Bravery
This hero-stone vividly portrays Yereyanga in his final moments of battle. The stone engraving shows him standing resolute, holding a bow in his left hand and a sword in his right, while arrows pierce him from all directions. Lying at his feet is a fallen enemy, symbolizing the intense confrontation that Yereyanga faced. Above this scene, the top panel depicts Yereyanga’s soul reaching heaven, accompanied by two apsaras, ethereal figures who, in ancient belief, welcome the souls of fallen heroes. This intricate detail speaks volumes about the honor attributed to warriors of the time, who were commemorated not just as fighters but as immortalized spirits welcomed by the divine.
The Inscription: A Tribute by a Loving Son
On the right side of the stone is a 12-line inscription in old Kannada, carefully detailing the context of Yereyanga’s sacrifice and the people who remembered him. The inscription translates as follows:
“When Nagattara was ruling the country and Yereyamma Gaawunda (village chief) was the leader of Kanneli, Yereyanga died in the battle, and in his memory, his son Maarasingha installed the hero-stone.”
This brief but powerful account provides names and roles of four individuals central to this story: Yereyanga, the valiant hero; his son, Maarasingha, who installed the stone; Nagattara, a chieftain under the Ganga Dynasty; and Yereyamma Gaawunda, the village chief of Kanneli. This inscription is a poignant reminder of a son’s deep respect for his father’s bravery, and it immortalizes the sense of duty that warriors like Yereyanga felt for their village.
Historical Context: The 9th-Century Battle for Kanneli
During the 9th century, Bangalore’s region was under the rule of the Ganga Dynasty, with local leaders like Nagattara managing territories under the feudal system. Around this period, the Western Gangas and Nolambas were in a constant struggle for dominance over territories in southern Karnataka. Yereyanga likely met his end defending Kanneli (the ancient name of Kaikondrahalli’s region) from the Nolambas, a rival power. This hero-stone was thus installed as a tribute to his courage and loyalty to his village, which over time evolved into present-day Doddakanneli and Chikkakanelli.
The Hero Stone’s Significance Today
The Kaikondrahalli Inscription Stone is not merely a relic of Bangalore’s past; it’s a narrative that provides insight into the social structure, warfare, and family bonds of the time. The story of Yereyanga exemplifies the cultural significance of hero-stones, which were a way for communities to honor their fallen warriors and keep their stories alive. Hidden away in a quiet corner of Kaikondrahalli, this stone is a reminder of Bangalore’s ancient heritage—a legacy often overshadowed by the city’s rapid urbanization but that still breathes through these stones.
Visiting the Kaikondrahalli Inscription Stone
To visit this piece of Bangalore’s past, take a stroll down Sarjapur Road and find this stone under a tree, nestled between modern buildings. It’s a humbling experience to witness a story so ancient yet preserved, a rare connection to the lives of those who defended this land long ago. For history enthusiasts and locals alike, this stone is a powerful reminder of Bangalore’s storied past a legacy of bravery and resilience that deserves to be celebrated and remembered.
The Kaikondrahalli Inscription Stone stands as a tribute to a time when warriors fought to protect their communities, and their memory was etched in stone so that future generations might never forget.
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