A major archaeological revelation has surfaced from Srisailam Mallikarjunaswamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. A copper plate inscription from 1456 CE—written in Sanskrit using the Nagari script—has been officially recognized as India’s first epigraphical reference to Halley’s Comet.
This finding was announced by Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director of the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The inscription sheds light on the cultural responses to astronomical phenomena in the Vijayanagar Empire.
Inscription Highlights
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Inscription | June 28, 1456 CE |
| Script & Language | Nagari script; Sanskrit |
| Issued By | Vijayanagar ruler Mallikarjuna |
| Celestial Events Mentioned | Halley’s Comet, Meteor Shower |
| Cultural Response | Land grant to counter celestial ‘omens’ |
| Beneficiary | Brahmin scholar Limgaṇarya |
| Granted Village | Simgapura, designated as agrahāra |
Halley’s Comet: An Astronomical Context
Halley’s Comet, visible from Earth approximately every 76 years, made a notable appearance in 1456 CE, coinciding with the inscription’s date. This alignment confirms the historical accuracy of the event noted in the copper plate.
Halley’s Comet Appearances (With Cultural Documentation Status)
| Year | Visibility | Indian Epigraphical Record |
|---|---|---|
| 240 BCE | Yes | No |
| 684 CE | Yes | No |
| 1066 CE | Yes | No |
| 1456 CE | Yes | Yes (Newly Discovered) |
| 1835 CE | Yes | Yes (texts, not inscriptions) |
| 1986 CE | Yes | Modern documentation |
Chart: Frequency of Halley’s Comet Sightings vs. Indian Records
Comets in Ancient Indian Culture
In ancient Indian cosmology, comets (Dhumaketu) were viewed as harbingers of calamity or political upheaval. The 1456 inscription documents such beliefs, revealing how celestial phenomena were often interpreted as omens of impending danger.
“To dispel the ill effects of the comet, King Mallikarjuna granted land to a Vedic scholar” – from the inscription
Such acts reflect the interplay between science, superstition, and statecraft in pre-modern India.
The Scholar: Limgaṇarya and the Royal Grant
The beneficiary of the grant, Limgaṇarya, was likely a Brahmin versed in astronomy and ritual practice. The gifted land, Simgapura, was given as an agrahāra—a village endowed to Brahmins for scholarly or spiritual services.
This royal patronage underscores the prestige of Vedic scholarship and the value of astronomical expertise in the Vijayanagar court.
Future Research and Publications
The inscription is part of a collection of 78 copper plates, previously unpublished. These are now under scholarly review and will be released in a forthcoming book by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Anticipated Insights from the Collection:
- Political and religious grants during the Vijayanagar period
- Language and script evolution
- Astronomical event documentation
- Royal responses to cosmic phenomena
Conclusion: A Celestial Window into History
This rare inscription not only marks a first in Indian epigraphy but also demonstrates the advanced astronomical awareness and ritualistic responses to comets in 15th-century India. It bridges history, science, and faith—offering scholars and enthusiasts a remarkable look into India’s celestial heritage.