Why in the News?
Excavations begun on January 16 at the Kote Veerabhadreshwar Temple premises in Lakkundi village of Gadag have yielded Neolithic period relics, strengthening efforts to nominate Lakkundi for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
About Lakkundi
- Located about 12 km from Gadag district headquarters
- Historically known as Lokkigundi
- Referred to as the village of hundred wells and temples
- Mentioned in 11th and 12th century inscriptions, compared to Amaravati for affluence
- Known for tankashale or mint
Historical Significance
- Ruled by Kalyana Chalukyas, Yadavas and Hoysalas
- Capital of Hoysala king Eradane Ballala (Veeraballala) in 1192 AD
- Centre of Jainism and Shaivism
Cultural and Religious Legacy
- Associated with Queen Attimabbe, known as Daana Chintamani, patron of Jainism
- Built temples, Jain basadis and wells for public welfare
- Daana Chintamani Attimabbe Prashasti instituted by Karnataka government
- Shelter to 12th century Sharanas like Ajaganna and Muktayakka linked to Basaveshwara movement
Architectural Features
- Temples built in Kalyana Chalukya architectural style
- Mumbai State Gazetteer records 13 temples, including Kashi Vishveshwara, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha, Nanneshwara and Someshwara.Â
- Wells are noted for ornate stone carvings
Prelims Pointers
- Neolithic findings indicate prehistoric human activity
- Lakkundi reflects temple town planning with wells
- UNESCO tentative list precedes final World Heritage inscription
- Community participation is central to heritage conservation here
| [2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:Â
1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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