Banavasi is a historical temple town cradled in the mesmerizing setup of Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka in India. This town is famed to have been the capital of the Kadamba dynasty that ruled the region for nearly two decades.
The rulers of this dynasty were the first ones to patronize the Kannada language, which is one of the oldest languages after Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Tamil. According to a report by The Hindu, Kadambas were the first rulers to use Kannada as an additional official administrative language. The report further states that the 16-line inscription, which is on rectangular sandstone with a height of 2.5 ft. and a width of 1 ft., has a Vishnu Chakra on its top. The earliest Kannada inscription found at Halmidi in Belur taluk of Hassan district is dated 450 A.D., and it is the earliest known record in Kannada characters.
“The language is known as “Poorvada Halegannada” (primitive Kannada), with distinctive characteristics resembling those of Tamil. Halmidi is a small village in the north of Hassan district with a population of 1,200, and was known as `Palmidi’ and `Hanumidi’. However, the people of the village recently decided to retain the name Halmidi,” the report said.
Ancient inscriptions excavated from the region indicate that this ancient town has a history dating back to the 5th century. The captivating temples and fascinating structures are worth visiting. To find out more about this historical temple town and the dynasty that gave , click here http://www.deccanherald.com/content/596311/in-gardens-banavasi.html
