In a significant archaeological discovery, a set of rare copper plates from the reign of Devaraya I, a prominent ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, has been unveiled. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the empire's history, administration, and cultural practices during the early 15th century.?

Key Highlights:

Discovery Details: The copper plates, comprising five intricately inscribed sheets bound by a copper ring, were recently unveiled in Bengaluru by Falcon Coins Gallery Pvt Ltd. ?

Inscriptions and Language: The inscriptions are composed in Sanskrit and Kannada, utilizing the Nagari script. They are dated to Saka 1328, which corresponds to November 5, 1406 CE, marking the coronation date of Devaraya I. ?

Content of the Inscriptions: The plates record the grant of the village Gu?ipalli, along with its hamlets, renamed as Devarayapur Agrahara, to several Brahmins of various gotras by King Devaraya I, son of Harihara. ?

Historical Significance: This discovery confirms the exact coronation date of Devaraya I, providing the first epigraphical evidence of this event. Additionally, the plates offer detailed information about the socio-religious and administrative practices of the Vijayanagara Empire. ?

Historical Context:

Devaraya I ruled the Vijayanagara Empire from 1406 to 1422 CE, succeeding his father, Harihara II. His reign is noted for military prowess, administrative reforms, and cultural patronage. He implemented significant irrigation projects, including the construction of a barrage across the Tungabhadra River and a lengthy aqueduct to supply water to the capital, transforming it into one of the largest cities of the 15th century. ?

In the realm of literature and architecture, Devaraya I was a patron of Kannada literature and oversaw the construction of significant architectural works, such as the Hazara Rama temple, exemplifying the architectural advancements during his reign. ?

Significance of the Copper Plates:

The unveiling of these copper plates is a landmark event in the study of Indian history and epigraphy. They provide concrete evidence of Devaraya I's coronation date, enriching our understanding of the Vijayanagara Empire's chronology. The detailed inscriptions offer a glimpse into the administrative decisions, land grants, and socio-religious dynamics of the time.?

Furthermore, the use of Sanskrit and Kannada in the inscriptions highlights the linguistic diversity and cultural synthesis characteristic of the Vijayanagara period. The meticulous documentation of land grants to Brahmins reflects the era's emphasis on supporting religious and scholarly communities.?

Conclusion:

The discovery and unveiling of these rare copper plates from Devaraya I's reign mark a significant contribution to our understanding of the Vijayanagara Empire. They not only confirm historical dates but also provide a window into the administrative, cultural, and socio-religious fabric of early 15th-century South India. Such findings underscore the importance of preserving and studying historical artifacts to gain deeper insights into our collective past.