Rock edict of Gajapati Kapilendra Deva Era found neglected in Andhra

A long-neglected inscription attributed to Gajapati Kapilendra Deva was discovered in Jakampudi village of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. A team from Utkal Sammilani (an Odisha outfit) visited the site on Sunday and inspected the condition of the historic artifact.

Also Read: Odisha: New discoveries at Ratnagiri may shed new light into Kalinga's Buddhist legacy

According to the delegation, the inscription is currently in a state of decay, with many of its characters (engraved on a large stone) slowly fading away due to weathering and neglect. Recognising its cultural and historical significance, the team has submitted a written request to the District Collector of West Godavari (NTR district) to initiate immediate measures for its preservation, the outfit sources expressed.

“Our initial demand is to relocate the rock edict to a local museum in Andhra Pradesh to safeguard it from further deterioration. Subsequently, the organisation plans to appeal to Odisha Culture Department Minister and Secretary to facilitate its permanent transfer to a museum in the State, where it rightfully belongs due to its Odia historical roots,” the Utkal Sammilani president stated.

The discovery has sparked interest among historians, researchers, and cultural organisations advocating for the protection of Odia heritage outside state boundaries.

Worth mentioning, previously, between December 2024 and February this year, in the hills of Ratnagiri in Odisha’s Jajpur district, about 15 archaeologists had worked more than three months to uncover ancient Kalinga's Buddhist legacy and ties with Southeast Asia.

They have had success, with the recovery of three colossal Buddha heads, inscriptions and votive stupas, among other relics, at a shrine complex.
The excavation at Ratnagiri in Jajpur, about 80 km from the State Capital, had started on December 5, 2024, after a gap of nearly 63 years, ASI

Superintending Archaeologist (Puri circle) Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak had earlier told the media.

Reported By: Radhamadhab Mishra