Karnataka Govt to install replicas of Halmidi stone inscription in every district

Mangaluru: To honor and spread awareness about the first Kannada stone inscription, the Karnataka government has decided to install replicas of the historic Halmidi Shasana (Halmidi Inscription) in all district centers across the state.

This initiative, part of the “Karnataka Sambhrama-50” celebrations, aims to highlight the significance of this ancient Kannada inscription.

The Karnataka Shilpakala Academy has crafted these replicas, which will be formally inaugurated by the district-in-charge ministers on the day of Karnataka Rajyotsava i.e. November 1. The stone replica has been created using a special stone from HD Kote and was sculpted in Chikkamagaluru before being sent to each district.

In Mangaluru, the replica will be installed at Rajaji Park near the Town Hall, while in Udupi, it will be placed in Bhujanga Park.

About the Historic Halmidi Inscription

The Halmidi Shasana holds historical importance as the earliest known inscription in Kannada script. Discovered in 1936 in the village of Halmidi in Belur taluk, it consists of 16 lines and dates back to around 450 AD. The state government hopes the installation of a replica in each district will ensure the preservation of its historical significance for future generations.

Specifications of the Halumidi Replica Stone

• Height: 4.5 feet
• Width: 2 feet
• Thickness: 6 inches
• Weight: 450–500 kilograms

According to Chandrashekhar, Registrar of the Karnataka Shilpakala Academy, the academy engaged 15 artists and 15 assistant sculptors in a special workshop in Chikkamagaluru to produce these replicas, which have now been dispatched to 31 districts for the November 1 inauguration.