Malkhed, an ancient village in Karnataka, India, is primarily characterized today by the enduring presence of its historical structures, offering a glimpse into its rich past. Its present-day identity is largely defined by the remains of a significant fort and an ancient Jain temple, the Mallinatha Basadi.
Malkhed Fort: A Glimpse into History
Today, Malkhed features the remains of a once-imposing fort. Though in ruins, its structure clearly indicates its historical significance and defensive capabilities.
- Fort Features:
- Entrances: The fort originally had four entrances.
- Bastions: It was fortified with 52 bastions, strategically placed along its perimeter.
These remains stand as a testament to the architectural prowess and strategic importance of Malkhed in earlier eras.
The Ancient Mallinatha Basadi
Within the village, the ancient Mallinatha Basadi (Jain temple) is another pivotal feature of present-day Malkhed. This temple is a site of historical and cultural importance, revealing insights into the region's religious and scholarly heritage.
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Architectural Components: The Basadi's design includes:
- A garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum).
- A navaranga (multi-pillared hall).
- A hazara (likely a specific hall or chamber).
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Significant Discoveries: During explorations of this Basadi, a remarkable collection of 59 manuscripts was discovered. These invaluable documents are written in three distinct languages:
- Prakrit
- Sanskrit
- Kannada
The discovery of these manuscripts highlights Malkhed's past as a center for learning and religious activity, contributing significantly to the understanding of ancient Indian literature and philosophy.
In essence, the "present day" of Malkhed is defined by these tangible links to its historical grandeur, inviting visitors and researchers to explore its archaeological and cultural wealth.
