7th-Century Inscription Unearthed at Madapura Lake: A Glimpse into Badami Chalukya Administration

Discovery That Sheds Light on Karnataka’s Past

7th-Century Inscription Unearthed at Madapura Lake: A Glimpse into Badami Chalukya Administration: A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made at Madapura Lake in Nyamati taluk, located in Davangere district of Karnataka. A stone inscription measuring five feet long, inscribed with 17 lines in Old Kannada, has been unearthed by researchers. Dating back to the 7th century AD, the inscription is from the reign of Vikramaditya I, a mighty ruler of the Badami Chalukya dynasty who governed between 654 and 681 AD. This discovery offers rare insight into early medieval governance and social structure in southern India.

The Reign of Vikramaditya I: Order After Chaos

Vikramaditya I, the third son of Pulakesin II, rose to power after a period of political unrest following his father’s death. His accession between 642 and 655 AD marked the end of instability and the beginning of restored Chalukya authority. One of his notable achievements was recapturing Vatapi (modern Badami) from the Pallavas, a move that reasserted Chalukya control. His reign is remembered for its military success and efforts to establish structured governance, as confirmed by the contents of this newly found inscription.

Insights from the Inscription: Welfare and Administration

The inscription makes a direct reference to Singhavenna, an officer under Vikramaditya I, who enacted a tax waiver for local villagers—a rare example of pro-people governance in the 7th century. It also mentions a land donation of six acres for the construction of a lake, highlighting community welfare projects and resource management practices. These details showcase the administrative sophistication of the time, including an interest in irrigation infrastructure, agrarian support, and social development.

Local Governance and Ballavi Division

Another significant feature of the inscription is the mention of Ballavi, which was a local administrative unit comprising about 70 villages. This reflects a well-defined territorial governance structure, where local officials were empowered to implement royal directives. The Ballavi system provides valuable clues into the decentralised administrative model of the Badami Chalukyas, with clear village-level governance in place as early as the 7th century.

Cultural Continuity Through the Centuries

Adding another layer of historical importance, the stone slab bearing the inscription also contains an incomplete 17th-century relief sculpture. This suggests that the site continued to hold cultural or religious significance long after the original inscription was made. It reflects a continuity of tradition, where ancient stones became part of evolving spiritual or communal spaces, reinforcing the region’s living historical heritage.

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7th-Century Inscription Unearthed at Madapura Lake: A Glimpse into Badami Chalukya Administration: