GUHPS Hebbal, Bangalore

The Hebbal-Kittayya inscription, located in the bustling city of Bangalore, India, is a remarkable piece of historical significance that offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. This ancient inscription, also referred to as GUHPS Hebbal, is an important artifact that dates back to the time of the Western Ganga Dynasty, which ruled over parts of southern India between the 4th and 10th centuries CE.

The inscription itself is etched on a hero stone, a type of memorial commemorating the death of a hero in battle. These stones are a significant part of the cultural landscape of Karnataka, the state in which Bangalore is located, and provide valuable insights into the social and political life of the time. The Hebbal-Kittayya inscription is particularly notable for its age and the clarity of its text, which has allowed historians to learn more about the language, script, and administrative details of the period.

Found in the Hebbal area of Bangalore, the inscription is written in the ancient Kannada script and language. It details the grants of land and other allowances provided to a certain Kittayya by the Western Ganga King Nitimarga I in 750 CE. This historical document not only sheds light on the governance and societal structure of the era but also offers linguistic scholars a valuable resource for the study of the evolution of the Kannada language.

The significance of the Hebbal-Kittayya inscription goes beyond its historical and linguistic value. It is a testament to the region's long-standing tradition of commemorating valor and sacrifice, a practice that has shaped the cultural identity of Karnataka over centuries.