Kamat's Potpourri: The Hero of Nelavagilu

Brave Woman Hariyakka

A Shikaripur hero-stone (1446 A.D.) depicts Hariyakka, a brave lady who died fighting the killer of her father, Madigavunda. The illustration that goes with the inscription is well planned and executed. A youthful Hariyakka is shown as a tall and strong-willed lady which symbolizes her determination and courage rather than physical strength. The sculpture also gives a good picture of dress and ornaments of the period. Her hair has been done into a concentric knot. The earrings appear to be made up of palm-leaf (ole-gari). Her other ornaments are also simple, indicating her humble birth. Her sari, though without a pallu (seragu or throw of the Indian drape), is folded neatly into artistic pleats. She is in an attacking stance. A sharp dagger in her right-hand has inflicted a deep wound on the right shoulder of the killer. The victim has been immobilized by the ferocity of the attack, so much so that he fails to use his dagger for a while. Ultimately the lady dies in the fight as recorded in the inscription.