Palkigundu and Gavimath, Koppal, Ancient rock inscriptions in Koppal, India
Palkigundu and Gavimath are two rock sites in Koppal, in the Indian state of Karnataka, bearing edicts carved directly into granite boulders. The inscriptions sit on natural rock outcrops, with some sections sheltered by overhanging slabs that act as a natural roof.
Emperor Ashoka had these rock edicts carved in the 3rd century BCE, following his conversion to Buddhism. They are part of a broader series of inscriptions he spread across large parts of the subcontinent to communicate his messages.
The inscriptions are written in Prakrit, an everyday language that ordinary people could understand more easily than Sanskrit. Visitors can still see the carved letters clearly on the rock surfaces, carrying messages about righteous conduct directed at the general population.
Reaching both sites involves walking over uneven ground and climbing some steps cut into the rock, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. The two locations are not far from each other and can be visited in a single outing.
These two sites are among the few places in India where the emperor's edicts appear on natural, unworked rock surfaces rather than on polished stone pillars. This gives the inscriptions a very different, almost casual appearance compared to other sites in the same series.
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