Belagavi: What villagers had been worshipping for decades as a deity has now been identified as a historic hero stone, thanks to the sharp eye of an 11-year-old schoolgirl. The discovery in Mallamman Belavadi village of Bailhongal taluk has drawn attention from historians and locals alike.
The stone, located near a temple, had long been believed to be an idol of a deity, and villagers used to offer prayers to it regularly. However, Lakshmi Prakash Humbhi, a fifth-standard student from the same village, carefully observed the carvings on the stone and realised that it was not a god’s idol but a Veeragallu (hero stone) depicting a historic battle scene.
Lakshmi, who is only 11 years old, noticed the carvings when she visited the temple frequently. She observed that the stone contained images resembling a warrior protecting cattle and shared her observation with her father, Prakash Humbhi.
“At first I thought it was just a Shani deity idol like everyone believed,” said her father. “But Lakshmi insisted that the carvings looked like a warrior fighting enemies and rescuing cattle. When I looked closely, I realised she might be right,” he explained.
The stone was located near the Hanuman temple in the village. For many years, villagers had overlooked the carvings and simply worshipped it as a deity. When Lakshmi’s father informed the village elders of her observation, they gathered near the temple and carefully examined the stone.
After closely studying the carvings, villagers concluded that the stone could indeed be a historical hero stone associated with the legendary warrior queen Belavadi Mallamma, known in local history for defending cattle and resisting enemy forces.
Lakshmi later spoke about her discovery, saying she had often heard stories at home about Queen Mallamma’s bravery. According to local folklore, when forces under the Chhatrapati Shivaji tried to seize cattle from the region, Mallamma fought bravely and rescued them.
“I had heard the story many times at home,” Lakshmi said. “When I saw the stone near the temple, I noticed carvings that looked similar to that story. So I told my father about it,” she explained.
Temple priest Balamma Poojari also expressed surprise at the discovery. She said Lakshmi had been visiting the temple for 11 days as part of a religious observance and would bow before the stone before entering the shrine.
“For years we thought it was a deity’s idol. None of us realised it might be a hero stone. It is amazing that such a young girl identified it,” she said.
Lakshmi’s father explained that they began visiting the temple after a religious suggestion made by a visiting devotee. During one of those visits on March 3, Lakshmi pointed out the carvings on the stone.
“She clearly showed the figures on the stone and said it looked like Mallamma fighting enemies and rescuing cows. That made us examine it carefully,” he said.
Following the discovery, villagers cleaned the stone and placed it carefully near the temple. Local leaders and historians are now discussing the need for further study and protection of the artefact.
Former gram panchayat president Chandrashekhar Karimani said the stone had previously been lying near the old temple structure and was moved outside during the temple’s renovation.
“Lakshmi noticed the carving of a cow and a battle scene. When we examined it closely, we realised it could depict the fight between Belavadi forces and Maratha troops who had taken away cattle,” he said.
Researchers have also taken an interest in the discovery. Historian Dr Balappa Chinagudi, who has studied the history of Belavadi Mallamma, said the stone appears to be a Turugola Veeragallu, a type of hero stone erected in memory of a warrior who died protecting cattle.
