About the Someshwara inscription:
- This inscription is very significant in the study of Tuluva history and culture.
- It has two panels on the top, and in between the two panels, the first line is engraved.
- The rest of the inscription written below the panels is in Kannada script and the language of 12th century characters announcing the death of Alupendra I.
- The human figures shown in the inscription represent Kulashekara Alupendra himself.
- In the first figure, he is shown standing in Tribhanga (tri-bent posture). He holds a sword in his right hand while the left hand rests on a gurani (shield).
- To the left of this panel, divided by a pillar, the King is again shown in a sitting posture on a mound, resting both his palms on the centre of his legs in dhyana mudra.
Who was Kulashekara Alupendra?
- Kulashekara Alupendra I was a famous ruler of the Alupas of South Canara.
- He was responsible for the establishment of a new city called Kulashekara in Mangaluru.
- He also laid down strict rules and regulations for temple administration, which are still followed in all temples in this region.
- He was the first ruler to give royal patronage to Tulu language and culture, ruling from both the capitals, Mangaluru and Barkuru.
- Alupendra I ruled Tulunadu from 1156-1215 A.D., as known from his other records.
- Though the present inscription is undated, it is datable to 12th century on the basis of paleography.
