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Tulu: The Administrative Language of the Past, But Unofficially in the Present

 Tulu: The Administrative Language of the Past, But Unofficially in the Present A Language That Ruled, Now Fighting for Its Identity Once upon a time, the language of Tulu Nadu wasn’t just spoken—it was written in stone, etched into history, and ruled an entire land. It was the language of kings, village heads, markets, courts, and temples. Tulu was power. Tulu was governance. Tulu was administration. But today? Tulu has no official recognition. A language that once dictated land records, tax systems, and royal decrees is now struggling to find its place in its own homeland. Isn’t this painful? A language that guided the destiny of a people for centuries is now left waiting outside the doors of officialdom. Tulu Inscriptions: Echoes of an Administrative Legacy 1. 7th-Century Tulu Inscription – The First Written Proof The earliest known Tulu inscription (7th century, Pelattur) is a silent witness to the fact that Tulu was already a language of governance over a thousand years ago. I...
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A Glimpse into the Ancient Tulu World: The Alupa Inscription of the 7th–8th Century

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-- Glimpse into the Ancient Tulu World: The Alupa Inscription of the 7th–8th Century The Alupa dynasty, one of the earliest ruling dynasties in the Tulu-speaking region of South India, left behind a legacy that continues to intrigue historians, linguists, and cultural enthusiasts. Among their treasures is a rare Tulu inscription from the 7th–8th century, attributed to King Alupa II. This inscription is a window into the socio-political, cultural, and linguistic heritage of the time, offering a detailed view of governance, justice, and community welfare in ancient South India. Decoding the Inscription The inscription begins with an auspicious invocation: “ Swastîsri Vrushbhantû brahaspathi tule tiga t iruvatta eNma postanata adityavaratāni.” This opening sets the event’s time—a Sunday aligned with specific astrological configurations. In ancient India, celestial alignments were deeply significant, guiding everything from daily rituals to critical administrative decisions. The invocation...
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