Palkigundu and Gavimath, Koppal, Ancient rock inscriptions in Koppal, India
Palkigundu and Gavimath are stone formations in Koppal bearing Prakrit inscriptions carved into boulders. A natural rock canopy extends across both sites, sheltering the ancient carved text from the elements.
Emperor Ashoka commissioned these stone inscriptions between 304 and 232 BCE, making them among the earliest written records found in India. The inscriptions date to a period when the emperor wanted to extend his influence across long distances.
The inscriptions display Buddhist principles and moral values that rulers shared through stone carvings. They served as ways to spread spiritual messages across territories and encourage people to think about these teachings.
Reaching the inscriptions requires climbing stone steps carved directly into the rock formations. The two sites lie a few kilometers apart and involve a straightforward walk between them.
Jain monks chose these elevated rock formations as meditation spots, creating a spiritual connection that has continued through generations. This link to meditation practice adds depth to visiting these ancient stones beyond their historical value.
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