Gosada Inscription

Credits – Dr. Radhakrishna Bellur

This is a Tulu language inscription which is written in Tulu script

This inscription is in Kasaragod Taluk, Kumbadaje Village Gōsāda Sri Mahishamardini temple.
Kabesimha is the colloquialized Tulu form of ‘Poet Simha’. There was no any king named Kabesimha in Alupas, but this might have been referring to Kabi Alupendra. He reigned in power from 1110 A.D to 1160, which has a historical record. In his “Mittanādhike” meaning in his in-charge work related to temple’s Grabhagriha was undertaken, inscription also of Umbali given. Therefore, we can conclude that the inscription can be dated back to early 12th century. A practice called “Kumbachha” can similarly traced in Mameshwara Inscription too and may be an old ritual that is practiced. “vendikārya” means “work done”. These words
can also be seen in Anantapura Inscription also.

GŌSĀḌA INSCRIPTION
TEXT FOUND IN THE INSCRIPTION

IAST transliteration

  1. svasti śrī kuṃbacca pa
  2. ddhatintaṃgaṭ veṃ
  3. kāryo, vīra deveranda ka
  4. vesiṃhara mittanādhikaṭ
  5. madaṭ • nāḍnta • • •
  6. kaṭṭt sūkṣitaṃdaṭla
  7. devikuṇḍarada ma•ṇa
  8. ṛ • rabha • • ppak • • • •
  9. [Last line was completely lost]