- Halmidi
Halmidi ( _kn. ಹಲ್ಮಿಡಿ) is a small village in the
Hassan district ofKarnataka state,India , near the temple town ofBelur . Halmidi is best known as the place where the oldest known inscription exclusively inKannada language was discovered. Earlier also many inscriptions having kannada words have been found for example Brahmagiri edict of 230BCE by Ashoka. But this is the first full scale inscription in kannada. Kannada is used in the inscriptions from earliest times and the Halmidi inscription is considered to be the earliest epigraph written in Kannada language [http://asi.nic.in/asi_epigraphical_sans_language.asp Language of the Inscriptions - Sanskrit and Dravidiian - Archaeological Survey of India ] ] [cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/31/stories/2006103108870500.htm |title=Halmidi inscription|accessdate=2006-11-29] This inscription is generally known as theHalmidi inscription and consists of sixteen lines carved on asandstone pillar. It has been dated to450 AD and demonstrates that Kannada was used as a language of administration at that time. [cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/24/stories/2004102405080300.htm|title=Halmidi inscription proves antiquity of Kannada: Moily|accessdate=2006-11-29 |format= |work=The Hindu, Sunday, Oct 24, 2004] K.V. Ramesh, Chalukyas of Vatapi, 1984, Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi ISBN 3987-10333 p10] . The inscription is in primitive Kannada with distinctive characteristics resembling those of Tamil and uses Brahmi characterscite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/31/stories/2006103108870500.htm |title=Halmidi inscription|accessdate=2006-11-29 |format= |work=The Hindu, Sunday, Oct 24, 2004]In recognition of the cultural importance of the inscription, and the role played by the
village of Halmidi in its preservation, the Government ofKarnataka has spent INR 25lakh s (2.5million ) on developing infrastructural facilities in the village, and on building a "mantapa" to house afibreglass replica of the original inscription. The Government has also begun to promote the village as a place of historical interest.Notes
External links
* [http://www.hoysalatourism.com/halmidi.htm Picture of the Halmidi inscription]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/31/stories/2006103108870500.htm A report in The Hindu]
* [http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/03/stories/2003110304550500.htm Halmidi village finally on the road to recognition]
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