ASI unearths copper inscription of Recharla period in Srisailam
NELLORE: Dr K Munirathnam Reddy, Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has revealed a historically significant copper plate inscription discovered at Srisailam in Kurnool district.
Dated Saka 1341 (1420 CE, January 28), the copper plates-written in both Sanskrit and Telugu, using Telugu script-record a crucial moment in the revival of religious and social services after a period of foreign occupation.
The inscription, consisting of three copper leaves, details how Recharla Lingama Nayaka reclaimed areas previously seized by the Turakas (Turks) and restored the eight agraharas associated with the Srisailam temple.
These included Vodanekapalli, Makundavaram, Singapuram, Basavapuram (in Munaluri-sima), Pudinadulu (in Gunipalli-sima), Aunupalli (in Chanikonda-sima), Juvunemtulu, and Sunapalli (in Devarakonda-sima). Additionally, land grants (vrittis) in Regadevulapalli, Vuggulapalli, and Ganapuram were also reinstated to the deity Sri Maheshvardevara.
'The inscription emphasises that many essential temple services had ceased during the Turaka occupation. After regaining control, Lingama Nayaka revived them, ensuring the spiritual and social ecosystem of Srisailam temple was brought back to life,'' Dr. K Munirathnam Reddy told TNIE.
Among the reinstated services were Nityapahara: daily food offerings to the deity, Akhanda-dipala-chamuru: Continuous ghee supply for temple lamps, Nivalipalyalu-nityasatram: Daily food distribution through the almshouse, Sivaratri-mahotsavam: Celebration of the Sivaratri festival, Bhurisatram: Free accommodation for pilgrims.
Reddy said that the inscription's significance in showing foreign occupation's socio-religious impact and native resilience.
The phrase 'Svarajya punaruddharan' highlights Recharla Lingama Nayaka's role in restoring self-rule and temple autonomy.
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Lachit Barphukan, the great Ahom general, inflicted humiliating defeat on the mighty Mughal army in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, bringing the curtain down on the last major attempt by the Mughals to take Assam. The Battle of Karnal, on February 24, 1739, saw Persian emperor Nadir Shah handing a crushing defeat to the forces of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila, effectively ending Mughal power in India. Therefore, d is the correct answer. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
