Udupi, Feb 10, 2015: A typical Hero-Stone was discovered by Murulidhara Hegade, junior engineer of Kollur Temple. The Stone, under study, is divided into five compartment or strips and in three from below war scenes are displayed. In the fourth strip four deceased warriors shown sitting and raised their hands over the head and palms joined in salute posture. In the fifth or top portion, four deceased sitting on either side of a royal person.
He is shown sitting in heroic posture on a chair. The hero-stone under study was prepared in the style and form of medieval hero-stones. Hence, it dates back to 13th and 14th Century.
According to archaeologist Prof T Murugeshi the discovery is significant in the cultural history and antiquity of Kollur.
Erecting memorial stones in honour of deceased was an ancient practice. It was known from megalithic period, who erected menhirs, in honour of their deceased.
In historical period different types of memorial stones such as Hero-Stones, Sati-Stones raised in different forms and styles elsewhere in the country. It was also introduced in Coastal Karnataka and found in different styles and forms.