A Glimpse into the Ancient Tulu World: The Alupa Inscription of the 7th–8th Century

-- 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...