1000-Year-Old Copper Plate in Telangana Reveals Earliest Kakatiya Genealogy

Speedy Summary

• Finding: A three-leaf copper plate inscription was recently found in kodad, Suryapet district, Telangana. It is indeed preserved by the Department of Heritage in Hyderabad.
• past Importance: The inscription details the earliest recorded genealogy of the Kakatiya dynasty (1000-1323 A.D.), tracing their origins as feudatories under the Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi Chalukyas).
• Inscription Details:

– Written in Sanskrit using Telugu script.
– Issued during Vikramaditya II’s coronation on March 6, 918 CE (Saka 840).

• Genealogy Mentioned:

– Lists key ancestors such as Samanta Vetti, Gunda I, Erra, Gunda II; accounts Talapa’s brief rule capturing Vijayaditya.

• Land Grant Event: The village of Kovuru was granted to Lokamamba (wife of fallen administrator Gunda II) by Vikramaditya II for sacrifices made during a succession battle against Talapa.
• Seal and Issuer Facts: Includes a Chalukya royal seal depicting Varaha and inscribed with “Sri Tribhuvanamkusa.” Issued by Vikramaditya II, son of Chalukya Bhima I and Vijayamahadevi.
• Facilitators: Discovery attributed to local efforts led by Suryapet district collector Tejas Nandlal Pawar.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The discovery provides critical insights into early medieval South Indian history and reinforces the interconnected nature of regional dynasties. By highlighting Kakatiya lineage as feudatories under Eastern Chalukyas, it offers clarity on their political evolution before emerging as rulers. Such inscriptions deepen historical understanding while bolstering Telangana’s cultural significance.

The event surrounding this copper plate reflects not only military struggles but also societal recognition through land grants for loyalty during battles-a common practice that forged administrative norms in medieval India. This artifact’s preservation demonstrates effective local cooperation between heritage teams and governance bodies like Suryapet District Administration.

Further studies may enhance regional history’s depth without altering established national narratives but enriching India’s cultural tapestry with localized discoveries.

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