Feature Image Credits: The New Indian Express
The grave of Vishnuvardhana, the fourth king of the Hoysala dynasty, has been found in the village of Angadi near Mudigere taluk in Karnataka.
Angadi which was originally called Shashakapura is said to be the origin of the Hoysala dynasty.
The fact that the king’s resting place was at this location has been substantiated by the writings of freedom fighter Late Makonahalli MK Doddappa Gowda and the Havvalli stone inscription.
King Vishnuvardhana died an untimely death in 1141 AD when he was in Bankapura. Accorrding to historical sources, his mortal remains were brought to the capital city Dwarasamudra (now Halebeedu) on the palace elephant along with horses and soldiers. Though Dwarasamudra was the original capital, Vishnuvardhana made Bankapura in North Karnataka as another capital.
The funeral procession wase stopped by chieftains of Taligenadu – Bannagowda and Bhoothegowda of Mariyalapalli – near Sundekere Halla in Mudigere taluk. There was apparently a war ensued between the two factions and Bhoothegowda was reportedly killed in the fight.
Binnegowda is said to have seized the palace elephant and looted the royal wealth. Following this, Vishnuvardhana’s body was buried near Sundekere halla and four stone pillars were erected on the grave. It is said that one of the stone pillars was hit by lightning and destroyed while three other pillars are intact on the site.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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