Rare inscription found on farm bund agricultural field in Ballari

A rare four-line inscription was recently discovered on the bund of an agricultural field in Dodda Antapur village, located in Sandur taluk of Ballari district. The inscription, found during fieldwork by the Vijayanagara Thirugata Research Team, features a distinctive curse formula and a unique sculptural motif. The stone stands about three feet in height and one and a half feet in width, facing east.

The Kannada script on the stone bears four lines, with the sun and moon symbols placed below the text, a rare occurrence as they typically appear above the inscription. Historians believe the inscription dates back to the post-Vijayanagara period, around the 16th or 17th century. The inscription refers to a person named Kadaba and his field, warning of punishment for anyone who steals the "sedhe" (possibly referring to agricultural implements or materials).

The curse formula and the mention of agricultural materials suggest the text records a strong traditional curse intended to deter theft, highlighting the value placed on agricultural resources in the period. The distinctive sculpture below the inscription, a standing male figure, adds to the cultural and historical significance of the find.

Researchers, including historians and field experts, are urging authorities to document and conserve the stone, noting that it provides valuable insights into the agrarian practices, social norms, religious beliefs, and landholding patterns of the medieval period in South India.