Lakkundi (15’27’N – 75’40’E) is about 12 km southeast of Gadag. Epigraphic sources also refer to it as Lokki-gundi.

 

Historic Perspective

Lakkundi thrived between the 9th and 14th centuries CE, featuring around 50 temples and 29 inscriptions from the time of the Later Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Sevunas, and Hoysalas. Remnants of a fort, mosques, and a dargah named after Zinde Sha-Vali can also be found.

During the 11th century CE, this location was known for higher learning and served as an eminent agrahara with 1000 Mahajanas. Dana Chintamani Attimabbe, who supported the Kannada poet Ranna, established a Brahma Jinalaya here in A.D. 1007. The area was also a busy center of mintage, producing gold coins known as Lokki gadyanas. Hoysala king Vira Ballala (1191-1211) had camped here making it his second capital.

 

Architectural Perspective

 

Lakkundi is renowned for its art and architecture, with the later Chalukyan architecture reaching its peak here. The temples, though smaller, are beautifully sculpted. Notable monuments includeBrahmaJinalaya (Jaina Basti), Kashi Vishveshwara Temple, Kumbareshvara Temple, Manikeshvara Temple, Naganatha Temple, Nanesvara Temple, and Muskin Bhavi.

While the Early Chalukyan temples were constructed using massive sandstone blocks, the later Chalukyan temples at Lakkundi were built with schist stone, which presents a more pleasing appearance. The architectural style evolved significantly over time, leading to notable differences in art and architecture between the early and later Chalukyas. The building material transitioned from rough-grained sandstone to a more refined black stone known as chloritic schist, likely influencing changes in style. The size of the construction blocks also diminished.

The Dravidian Sikhara is distinctly defined by its simple square plan and well-articulated storeys. The cornices, which were initially heavy, became smaller and more intricately detailed. Corner and central caps transformed into small projections and recesses. The temple walls were altered too; generally, the exterior walls were adorned with pilasters, niches, and Devakoshthas capped with miniature Shikaras. Noteworthy sculptures include a griffin in a Jaina temple and a horseman in the Kasi Visveshvara temple. Common features of these temples are Gajalakshmi on the lintel, female chauri-bearers, and Devakoshthas.

 

Historical Perspective

 

Around AD 973, the Chalukyas of Kalyana, a collateral branch of the early Chalukyas of Vatapi, filled the political void created by the downfall of the Rashtrakutas. The power of the Chalukyas was revived by Taila II. For more than two centuries, this dynasty ruled over Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Notable rulers of this dynasty include Taila II (CE 973-997), SatyasrayaIrivaBedanga (CE 997-1008), Jayasimha II (CE 1015-1042), Somesvara I (CE 1042-1068), Vikramaditya VI (CE 1076-1126), and Someshwara III (CE 1126-1138).

Lakkundi gained prominence during the medieval period between the 9th and 14th centuries CE. In the 11th century CE, as part of Belvola-300, it became a renowned centre for higher learning and an eminent agrahara with 1,000 Mahajanas. The Brahma Jinalaya was established here in CE 1007 by a charitable noblewoman, Dana Chintamani Attimabe. Additionally, Lakkundi served as a significant hub for minting, with gold coins produced here being referred to as LakkiGadyanas. The distinguished Hoysala king Vira Ballal (CE 1191-1211) also resided in Lakkundi, making it his secondary metropolis.

Lakkundi boasts over 20 temples and 80 inscriptions from the Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Sevunas, and Hoysalas. It was later ruled by the Vijayanagara kings, Marathas, and British.

Attimabe, wife of Nagadeva under Taila-II and SatyasrayaIrivabedanga, built the Brahma Jinalaya (Jaina Temple) at Lakkundi. She promoted Jainism by donating 1500 jewel-studded Tirthankara statues and 1000 copies of Ponna’sSantipurana manuscripts. She also supported Kannada poet Ranna, author of Ahitanatha Purana and Gadayuddha, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and religious history of the area.

English

  1. Jain Basti, Lakkundi, District Gadag This 11th-century CE east-facing temple is the largest and most prominent at Lakkundi. It features a garbhagriha, antarala, a closed navaranga, and an open pillared mandapa with a sloped roof. Over the garbhagriha is a five-storeyed nirandhara vimana with a square griva and sikhara. The exterior wall has pilasters and niches with seated Jaina figures above the cornice. Initially, it housed a Mahavira image, now replaced by Neminatha. The garbhagriha lintel also contains a Jaina figure. A sukanasi projects in front of the sikhara. Two beautiful images of Brahma and Saraswati are in the temple. The ceilings are plain, but the pillars are decorated. The open mandapa is supported by 32 pillars and pilasters. Attributed to Attimabbe, a famous pious Jaina lady of the early 11th century CE, inscriptions about her are preserved in a nearby Archaeological Museum.Kashi-Vishveshvar, Lakkundi, District Gadag

    This 11th-century Kalyana Chalukya temple features a double-shrine layout. The west side has a garbhagriha, antarala, and navaranga, with Gajalakshmi on the lintel and images of Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu. Inside is a 3-foot high linga. The navaranga has entrances from the south and east, with the southern entrance intricately carved. The partially dilapidated Dravidian style shikhara crowns the garbhagriha. The east shrine was for God Surya. There is Gajalakshmi on the lintel and a miniature figure of Surya above it. The exterior features intricate carvings, miniature shikharas, and niches. The rear (East) wall has images of eighteen Pahupata-Kalamukha preceptors. Scholars believe the elephant course on the principal shrine’s base was inspired by Gujarat temples.

    The temple was originally dedicated to KavatalaBharavesvara, also known as Kavatalesvara. It was managed by the Kalamukha priests of Simhaparishe branch.

     

    KumbargeriIshvar, Lakkundi, District Gadag

     

    This 11th-century Kalyana Chalukyatrikuta temple has its main shrine facing south, with three garbhagrihas having separate antaralas and a shared navaranga. The doorframes of the garbhagrihas are highly decorated, featuring Gajalakshmi sculptures on the lintels. The navaranga has four central pillars on a raised platform. The exterior walls have offsets, decorated with pilasters and miniature sikharas. The sikhara on the garbhagriha is damaged.

     

    Mankeshvar at the Muskinbhanvi, Lakkundi, District Gadag

     

    The Kalyana Chalukyan temple from the 12th century CE is an east-facing trikuta (triple-shrine) structure. It features three shrines, each with its own antarala, and a centrally located navaranga. The doorframe of the garbhagriha is intricately decorated. On both sides of the antarala are two jalandhras or lattice windows. Standing Dvarapalas flank either side of the doorframe. The navaranga is supported by four pillars adorned with floral designs. The exterior walls are enhanced with pilasters and niches topped by miniature sikharas. The sikhara is missing.

     

    Muskin Bhanvi, Lakkundi, District Gadag

     

    This stepped well, dating back to the 11th-12th century CE is of the Kalyana Chalukya period, and features flights of steps on three sides descending to the water level. Above the water level, small, canopied niches project from the sides. The well is constructed with double storeys supported by pillars.

     

    Nagnath near the Jain Temple, Lakkundi, District Gadag

     

    This Kalyana Chalukya, 11th-12th century CE east-facing temple features a garbhagriha, antarala, and mukhamandapa with four fluted pillars. It stands on a moulded adhisthana with a plain ceiling except for an inverted lotus medallion in the central square. The garbhagriha originally housed a Parashvanatha image with a seven-hooded Naga-Dharanendra Yaksha and two chauri-bearing attendants. The mukhamandapa has a sloped roof and the exterior walls are adorned with pilasters, niches, and devakoshthas topped by miniature sikharas. There is no sikhara currently over the garbhagriha.

     

    Naneshvar, Lakkundi, District Gadag

     

    This Kalyana Chalukya, 11th century CE temple includes a garbhagriha with a linga, an antarala, a navaranga with four polished pillars, and an open mukhamandapa. The garbhagriha’s lintel features Gajalakshmi. There are entrances on the east and south. The mukhamandapa has decorated kakshasanas and a detailed doorframe with Gajalakshmi on the main entrance lintel. The exterior walls have pilasters, niches, and devakoshthas, and the garbhagriha is topped with a Dravidian sikhara. The temple is a compact, aesthetically pleasing monument.

Bibliography: –

 

  1. Foekema, Gerard, Chalukya Architecture,MunshiramManoharalal Publishers, New Delhi, 2003.
  2. Dhaky, M.A., Encyclopedia of Indian temple architecture, American institute of Indian studies, New Delhi, 1996.
  3. Narasimha Murthy, A.V. and Gopal, R., Karnataka A Garden of Architecture, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Mysore, 2007
  4. Padigar S.V., Some Aspects of Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi, Karnataka,Jnana-Pravaha Research Journal No. XXI (2017-18), Varanasi, 2018, pp. 12-22