ಎಪಿಗ್ರಾಫಿಯ ಕರ್ನಾಟಿಕ- Epigraphia Carnatica (Vol-XV)

The available sources for the study of the history, society and cultures of the past of Karnataka can be divided as the written and the unwritten sources. Among the written sources the inscriptions occupy an important place. It is true that they majorly concern with the reign of kings or the religions. In actuality, it is not possible to reconstruct a complete picture of the past or the society belonging to the past solely through the study of inscriptions. But still there are many elements pertaining to the life of the common men in the inscriptions. Likewise they contain references to rites and rituals, festivals, fairs, games, conflicts and convivialities. They shed light on the ancient Kannada land, language and literature. In fact, the literature of the inscriptions is the real ancient source of literature as far as Kannada is concerned.

The inscriptions of Karnataka draw our attention on many counts. It is a matter of great pride that the distinguished epigraphists of India have opined that the Kannada inscriptions occupy the top-most position in variety and vitality when compared with the inscriptions of other languages. For the first time Benjamin Lewis Rice (1837-1927) collected some 8869 inscriptions from the old Mysore State and the Coorg province in about twenty two years from 1884 to 1906. He brought them out in twelve volumes under the series "Epigraphia Carnatica" with the help of the scholars. After these volumes were published many more inscriptions came to light.

At present the Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies has undertaken the task of revising and reprinting the Epigraphia Carnatica volumes because of the magnanimity and the love of culture of Government of Karnataka. The initiative taken by the then Chief Minister Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy and the Deputy Chief Minister Shri.B.S.Yediyurappa is solely responsible for the publication of these volumes under the grant ear-marked for the purpose. We gratefully thank the present Government which has not only continued the old schemes and projects but has also exhibited great enthusiasm in the execution of very innovative schemes.

This volume has seen the light of the day, because of the encouragement and support of Professor V. G. Talawar, the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore. It is his fond wish that all other volumes should also be brought out wihout further delay. I am deeply indebted to the Vice-Chancellor for his unfailing encouragement. We have received sure support from the Registrar, the Finance Officer and other officers of the Administration.

**Contents and Sample Pages**