Lakkundi Group of Monuments: Proposed in UNESCO Tentative List

Why in News?

• The Karnataka government, in collaboration with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), has prepared a final stage proposal to include ancient temples and monuments located in the Lakkundi area of ​​Gadag district in the UNESCO Tentative List.

Location and Historical Background

• Location: Lakkundi, Gadag district, Karnataka
• Period: 10th to 12th century AD
• Rule: Western Chalukya / Kalyana Chalukyas
• The region is famous for temple architecture, water structures and technological innovation.

UNESCO Criteria Met

• Cultural Exchange:
  • Example of Vesara style, which emerged from the syncretism of Nagara, Dravida and Bhumija styles.
• Historical and Technological Significance:
  • A glimpse of architectural development, especially stepwells built in temple complexes, which were sometimes larger than the temples.

Major Monuments in Proposal

Lakkundi Monuments

• Kashi Visvesvara Temple
• Manikesvara Temple
• Nanneswara Temple
• Brahma Jinalaya – 1007 CE
• Musukina Bavi – Stepwell

Surrounding Sites

• Doddabasappa Temple (Doddabasappa, Dambal)
• Trikuteshwara Temple (Trikuteshwara, Gadag)
• Mahadeva Temple (Mahadeva Temple, Itagi)
• Mallikarjuna Temple (Mallikarjuna, Kuruvatti)
• Someshwara Temple (Someshwara, Lakshmeshwara)
• Tarakeshwara Temple (Tarakeshwara, Hangal)

Architectural Highlights

• Vesara Style: Integration of Nagara and Dravidian.
• Stepwells: Complex structures for water management and religious rituals.
• The carvings, base plan and mandapa structures of the temples reflect architectural skill.

Proposal & Future Steps

• The proposal is being reviewed by INTACH and Karnataka Archaeological Department.
• The full nomination dossier will be sent to UNESCO after 1 year of inclusion in the Tentative List.

Other UNESCO Tentative Sites in Karnataka

• Badami
• Aihole
• Srirangapatna
• Hire Benkal
• Deccan Sultanate Monuments