Silvester D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Chikkamagaluru (EP)
Chikkamagaluru, Jul 7: In a fascinating discovery, history and archaeological researcher Supreetha K Enka has found two monumental sculptures which belonged to the 12th century at Hemmakki in Kalasa taluk in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. The sculptures that depicted wrestling is at Kotemakki in Hemakki which can be seen in the temple remains. The researcher has opined that it is the first time that the depiction of wrestling has been found in Karnataka.
The sculpture is 4.7 feet high and 3.3 feet wide and has four phases. The bottom phase has wrestling, while the second phase has nymphs carrying the dead body of the warrior in a chariot. The third phase shows the warrior in heaven. Unfortunately, the phase above it is damaged and therefore difficult to interpret. As per the artistic style used it can be presumed that the sculpture likely belonged to the 12th century.
The second sculpture that was discovered lies about two kilometres away from the first one. Similar to the first sculpture, the second one also has four phases. In the second sculpture, a warrior with his two hunting dogs holding bow and arrows is seen hunting a deer in the lower phase. The second phase has nymphs carrying the dead body of the warrior to heaven. The researcher was of the opinion that the depiction done so might have been because of the unknown accident that took place during the hunt. The phase above it has wives sitting joining their hands. The final phase has carvings of sun, moon, Hindu deities - Shivalinga and Nandi along with a cow and calf indicating that the death of the warrior.
Similar findings have been earlier made in Banashankari, Bengaluru and Marasanige, Kalasa in the past. With the discovery made, it can be deduced that the practice hunting was given prime importance. As the number of deer depicted was more, the sculptures are significant, said Supreetha.
Sumanth K N Kalasa, Avin Gowda Abu Gudige, Preetham Hebbar and Parameshwar Hebbar have contributed in the findings.