Exploring the Chandravalli Cave Complex

Location

1. Chandravalli Cave Complex
   1. Located in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka, about three km from the more popular Chitradurga Fort.
2. Accessibility
   1. The complex is accessible only through a narrow entrance and is visible only with the help of a powerful torch.
3. Local Guide
   1. A local guide takes small groups of tourists inside this unique structure.

History and Significance

1. Ankali Math
   1. The complex is also known as the Ankali Math, named after a saint from Ankalagi in Belagavi district who is believed to have come and settled here.
2. Gurukul
   1. The saint and his followers found the cave, surrounded by huge boulders and with a pond nearby, an ideal place for meditation and to run a Gurukul.
3. Excavations
   1. Excavations around this site, surrounded by three hills, have revealed coins, painted bowls, and earthen pots dating back to various dynasties such as the Hoysala, the Satavahana, and the Vijayanagara.

4. Rock Inscription
   1. There is also a rock inscription of Mayurasharma, the founder of the first Kannada dynasty — the Kadamba dynasty — dating back to AD 450.
5. Connections with Rome and China
   1. The region had connections with Rome and China, as some coins found here reveal.

Key Facts about the Kadambas of Goa

1. Rule
   1. The Kadambas of Goa were a branch of the larger Kadamba dynasty that ruled parts of South India.
   2. They ruled Goa from the 10th to the 14th century CE.
2. Subordinates and Autonomy
   1. Initially subordinates of the Chalukyas of Kalyani, they gained some autonomy after helping them defeat the Rashtrakutas.
3. Kadamba Shasthadeva
   1. In 960 AD, Kadamba Shasthadeva, appointed as the mahamandaleshwara (governor) of Goa by the Chalukyas, conquered Chandrapur (Chandavara) from the Shilaharas, establishing a semi-independent kingdom.
4. Capital
   1. He later conquered the important port city of Gopakapattana, which became their primary capital.

Chambers and Features

1. Puja Place
   • The cave has a puja place with a shivlinga.
2. Rooms
   • It has a drawing room and a bedroom.
3. Water Outlet
   • It has a water outlet that connects to a tank inside.
4. Paintings
   • Some of the walls are adorned with paintings done in organic paint.
5. Narrow Stairs
   • Narrow stairs lead down to different rooms on either side of the cave, making breathing difficult as one progresses.
6. High Chair
   • A high chair meant for a ruler or chieftain is carved into the rock.
7. Watch Tower
   • A structure similar to a watch tower has been made with bricks between the rocks of the cave complex.

Maintenance and Conservation

1. Murugharajendra Math
   1. The cave complex is maintained by the Murugharajendra Math.
2. Trouble
   1. With the math facing trouble with the arrest of its senior head in a criminal case, the maintenance of caves seems to have suffered.
3. Need for Attention
   1. Some attention by archaeological departments or any State authority would go a long way in keeping this important monument intact.
4. Guides' Efforts
   1. The guides say it is only their personal initiative that has kept the area relatively clean and free of illegal activities.
5. Dependence on Tourists
   1. However, they complain that they are dependent on whatever income they get from tourists who visit mostly on weekends.

Importance of Conservation

1. Cultural Significance
   1. The Chandravalli cave complex is an important cultural and historical monument that needs to be conserved and protected for future generations.
2. Tourism
   1. The complex has the potential to attract tourists and generate revenue for the local economy.
3. Employment
   1. The conservation and maintenance of the complex can also provide employment opportunities for local people.

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