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Kappe Arabatta Shilashasana, Badami

Overview

•Kappe Arabatta Shilashasana is a historic rock inscription carved on a cliff overlooking the northeast end of the artificial lake in Badami, Karnataka.
•Dating to c.
•700 CE, it commemorates the Chalukya warrior Kappe Arabhatta and is notable for its Kannada verses.
•Located about 1.3 km from Badami town, it offers a glimpse into early Kannada literature and Chalukya history.

Highlights

Ancient Kannada inscription from c. 700 CE
Scenic views of Agastya Lake and Badami's rocky landscape
Rare example of early Kannada poetry in tripadi metre
Proximity to other Badami attractions like the cave temples

Religious Significance

This inscription is a rare example of early Kannada poetry, with five stanzas written in ten lines of Kannada script. It includes a Sanskrit śloka and verses in the tripadi metre, highlighting the literary and cultural achievements of the Chalukya period. It is an important epigraphic record for understanding the development of Kannada language and literature.

Facilities

Basic facilities only.

History

•The inscription dates to approximately 700 CE and was commissioned in memory of Kappe Arabhatta, a Chalukya warrior.
•It is one of the earliest known Kannada inscriptions in verse form, providing valuable insights into the region's history and literary traditions.

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable shoes as the area may have uneven terrain.
Carry water and sun protection, especially during warmer months.
Combine your visit with other Badami attractions like the cave temples and Agastya Lake.

Location

•The inscription is carved on a cliff at the northeast end of the artificial lake in Badami, Karnataka.
•It is about 1.3 km from Badami town.

How to Reach

•From Badami town center, you can reach the site by local auto-rickshaw or taxi in about 5-10 minutes, or it is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk.
•The site is near the Agastya Lake, so you can combine your visit with other nearby attractions.

Things to Do

Explore the Inscription

30 minutes

Examine the ancient Kannada verses carved into the cliff and learn about the Chalukya warrior Kappe Arabhatta.

HistoricalEasy

Photography and Sightseeing

30 minutes

Capture the scenic views of Agastya Lake and the rocky landscape of Badami from this vantage point.

NatureEasy

Do's and Don'ts

•Do respect the historical nature of the site and avoid touching or defacing the inscription.
•Do not climb on the rocks or litter the area.
•Photography is allowed, but be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors.

Photography Rules

•Photography is generally permitted, but avoid using flash and respect any local restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a rock inscription carved on a cliff near Agastya Lake in Badami, dating to around 700 CE. It commemorates the Chalukya warrior Kappe Arabhatta and contains Kannada verses in the tripadi metre.

No, there is no entry fee to view the inscription. It is an open-air historical site accessible to the public.

A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, including time to view the inscription and enjoy the surrounding views. It can be easily combined with other nearby attractions.