Context
A Siditale hero stone was recently discovered at the Panchalingeshwara Temple in Barakuru, Udupi district, Karnataka, during an epigraphical survey, highlighting the site’s historical and archaeological importance.
About Barakuru
- Barakuru (Barkur) is an ancient port town in Udupi district, Karnataka, located on the Sita River, about 5 km from the Arabian Sea.
- It was known as Varakula, Barakanur and Barahkanyapura in ancient times.
- Evidence of Mesolithic and Megalithic habitation has been found, and it emerged as a major trading centre by around the 2nd century BCE.
Historical Significance
- Barakuru was an important maritime trade centre with links across the Arabian Sea.
- The Alupas made it their capital in the 10th–11th centuries CE, followed by rule under the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empire.
- It later came under the Keladi Nayakas, Mysore rulers Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan and the British.
- The town became an important centre of Tuluva culture.
Urban, Religious and Archaeological Significance
1. Barakuru was divided into 10 Keris, or areas linked to different occupations, each with tanks and temples.
2. The town is known for its traditional tiled-roof temples and is traditionally associated with 365 temples; the Panchalingeshwara Temple is the most prominent.
3. It has yielded 100+ stone inscriptions and several copper-plate inscriptions, along with evidence of an ancient Jain presence.
4. The recently found Siditale hero stone adds to evidence of the region’s social and political history.
Additional Information: Panchalingeshwara Temple
- Located in Barakuru, Udupi district, Karnataka, it is one of the town’s prominent historic temples.
- It is associated with Shaivism and is an important example of Barakuru’s temple heritage and regional history.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Barakuru located?
Ans. Barakuru, or Barkur, is located in Udupi district, Karnataka. It lies on the Sita River, close to the Arabian Sea coast.
Q2. Which dynasty made Barakuru its capital?
Ans. The Alupa dynasty made Barakuru its capital. This strengthened its political and economic importance in coastal Karnataka.
Q3. Which temple is particularly associated with Barakuru?
Ans. The Panchalingeshwara Temple is one of Barakuru’s major historical temples and has been the site of recent epigraphical investigation.
