Context: An expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered three rare 16th-century inscriptions deep inside the Seshachalam forest range in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
About The Vijayanagara-Era Inscriptions:
What It Is?
- The discovery consists of three rare epigraphical records carved into stone characters of the 16th century. Copied in the form of estampages by the ASI for preservation and linguistic study, these inscriptions are written in a trilingual format using Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada
Discovery and Contents:
- Location: Uncovered at Sadasivakona, a pristine and mostly under-explored stretch deep within the Seshachalam forest range in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. This project follows similar epigraphical surveys conducted by the team in the nearby Nallamala Hills.
- Historical Records: The primary inscription meticulously documents the personal visit of King Sadasiva Raya to this sacred spot to take a holy bath. It records his official grant of a royal donation alongside the construction of a Siva temple and a monastery (mutt) at Papavinasa in Sadasivakona.
About King Sadasiva Raya:
Who he was?
- Sadasiva Raya (1542–1570 CE) was the last sovereign monarch of the Tuluva Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, a powerful Southern Indian kingdom dominating the Deccan region.
Background and Rise to Power:
- Succession Crisis: After the death of Achyuta Raya in 1542 CE, his son Venkata I briefly ruled but was killed during court intrigues.
- Enthronement: Sadasiva Raya, Achyuta Raya’s nephew, ascended the throne according to the Tuluva dynasty’s succession traditions.
- Puppet King: Although Sadasiva Raya was the nominal ruler, real power rested with Aliya Rama Raya and his brothers. Rama Raya later imprisoned Sadasiva and ruled in his name.
Legacy in the Vijayanagara Empire:
- Restoration of Power: Under Rama Raya’s leadership, Vijayanagara regained much of its political and military strength after Krishna Deva Raya’s reign.
- Religious Patronage: His reign continued support for temples, religious institutions, and pilgrimage activities, as reflected in contemporary inscriptions.
Last Days: Battle of Talikota (1565)
- The Conflict: Rama Raya led Vijayanagara against the combined forces of Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar.
- The Defeat: Vijayanagara suffered a crushing defeat at Talikota. Rama Raya was captured and killed, and the capital city was devastated.
- End of an Era: After the battle, Tirumala assumed control while Sadasiva Raya soon died. Although the Aravidu dynasty continued, Vijayanagara’s political dominance came to an end.
