Why in news?  The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada unearthed and explored a 13th-century ‘herostone’ (veeragallu) in Mandya

Highlights:

• Veeragallu, comprised of carvings and inscription, belonging to the period of Hoysala ruler Veeraballala II (1172 to 1220 AD), whose empire was spread over South India.
• It was found at Shambulingeshwara temple of Vijaynagar period in Chaakashettyhalli (an important administrative place during the Hoysala period) of Pandavapura taluk in Mandya district.

What is the uniqueness of the stone ?

• It has a rare visual evidence of ‘Sati’ system that prevailed at that point of time
• Usually, herostones are erected to commemorate heroes who fought in wars and died
• This herostone which is erected in memory of ‘Masanayya’, a ‘sthanika‘ and a resident of Chaakashettyhalli from Vaishya clan (merchant), and his wife is special.
• The herostone is been made from soapstone (Cloraitic shiest) and are two panels with inscriptional texts.
• The first one begins with the auspicious word ‘Swasthi’ and contains titles of Ballala II like Samasta Bhuvanshrayam, Sriprithvivallabham and others.
• In the second panel, the period is engraved.