Veeragallu, dating from the 12th century Hoysala period, discovered in a village in Nagamangala

The 12th century Veeragallu or hero stone dating from the reign of Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana was discovered in Maniyur village, Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district.

In a press statement, archaeologist at the Center of Excellence for Classical Kannada Studies (CESCK), Mysuru, Shashidhara CA, described the discovery as an “unpublished Turugolu Veeragallu” carved from talc, which bears an inscription in Kannada, script and language, spread over seven lines. “It is a monument carved to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of a hero who died fighting for the protection of cattle in the 12th century,” the statement said.

CESCK Project Director NM Talawar pointed out that many brave people sacrificed their lives fighting to protect cattle, defend villages, protect the honor of women, serve kings and protect their kingdoms in ancient times. Veeragalls were installed in memory of such warriors, he said.

“These monuments were to proclaim the hero’s bravery and loyalty to the world, to inspire others and elevate the hero to a divine status worthy of worship. In some places shrines were even built around the heroes’ stones. Similarly, at Maniyur, it was found that about 900 years ago, during the Hoysala period, a shrine of worship to Mavig Manimāra, who died protecting cattle,” Professor Talawar said in a statement.

Based on information provided by resident Umesh HL, Dr. Shashidhara a plot belonging to one Ramakrishne Gowda in Maniyur village situated about 10 km from Nagamangala town and conducted a field survey which led to the discovery of Veeragallu.

Researcher Santoshi Subrahmanya, library assistant Nagendra V. and cameraman Ramesh Patel, in collaboration with the residents, excavated the hero’s stone so that the statue was fully visible and took a stamp on the inscription.

A statement describing the inscription says that it refers to the royal epithets of King Visnuvardhana of the Hoysalas – the holder of the five great sounds (referring to the ceremonial sounds of instruments such as the drum, conch, kettle drum, trumpet and veena). “The third panel of the inscription contains two lines stating that in the samvatsara of Sadhāraṇa, i.e. the cyclic year, Maviga Manimāra, the son of Attisetti, died in a cattle-raiding battle.”

Veeragallu contains relief sculptures in three panels. “The lowest panel shows the hero stabbing the opponent in the chest with a dagger, while the opponent holds a bow. Behind the hero, four cows are carved to indicate that the battle was fought over cattle. The middle panel shows the celestial maidens taking the fallen hero to Kailasa. The upper panel shows the dead hero seated and seated with his hands in front of the Mokshaveren. Above the Shiva linga are carved relief sculptures of the sun and moons, symbolizing that the hero’s bravery and sacrifice will endure as long as the sun and the moon exist,” the statement said.

Commenting on the discovery, archaeologist and heritage expert NS Rangaraju said that one of the remarkable aspects of the Turugol Veeragallu inscription is the presence of several titles of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, making it an important subject of research.

Meanwhile Dr. Shashidhara said that our ancestors in earlier times considered cattle not only as wealth but as “living treasure”. Therefore, cattle were often raided for political reasons or personal gain.

“In memory of Maviga Manimāra, son of Attisetti, who died fighting for the protection of cattle, this hero stone was erected. It is also believed that the village itself derived its name ‘Maniyur’ from the hero Maviga Manimāra, perhaps as a mark of respect for his sacrifice and bravery,” he added.

Published – 21 May 2026 20:57 IST