Chalukya Splendours: Exploring the Architectural Legacy of Gadag and Lakkundi
The Deccan Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce the publication of Chalukya Splendours: In and around Gadag and Lakkundi, a new guidebook exploring the remarkable artistic and architectural legacy of the Later Chalukyas.
Published by Jaico in collaboration with the Deccan Heritage Foundation, the book has been authored by Amita Kanekar and Anirudh Kanisetti, with a preface by H.K. Patil and photographs by Surendra Kumar. The project has been supported by the Government of Karnataka, Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.
The book is now available through the DHF Online Bookstore as both a paperback edition and an e-book for instant download to smartphones and tablets.
Look inside
“A little more than a thousand years ago, a great capital was sacked, and an empire grew from the ashes to dominate much of the Deccan region.”
Mahadeva Temple, Itagi. Photograph by Surendra Kumar.
“Across what is now the northern part of Karnataka, the Later Chalukyas left behind a remarkable architectural landscape of temples, stepwells and sacred sites at Gadag, Lakkundi, Sudi, Dambal, Itagi and beyond. These monuments capture a moment of extraordinary experimentation in the Deccan, bridging the earlier traditions of Badami and Pattadakal with the later worlds of the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara.”
Gadag
Trikuteshvara Temple, Gadag. Photograph by Surendra Kumar.
Lakkundi
Kashivishveshvara Temple, Lakkundi. Photograph by Surendra Kumar.
Itagi
Mahadeva Temple, Itagi. Photograph by Surendra Kumar.
In the press
The DHF’s recent restoration project at the Nagakunda Stepwell in Sudi – also featured in Chalukya Splendours: In and around Gadag and Lakkundi – was recently covered by The Better India. The article highlights the emphasis on conservation not only as a cultural responsibility, but also as a catalyst for local economic and community development.
The stepwell was restored by the DHF with the support of Mrs. Rajashree Pinnamaneni, in memory of Dr. Subba Rao Devineni, under the Government of Karnataka’s ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme, with Heritage Matters and Water Literacy Foundation (WLF), as well as stewardship by Gandipet Welfare Society (GWS).
Read an excerpt below and the full article on The Better India.
Nagakunda Stepwell, Sudi. Photograph by Surendra Kumar.
“The project was shaped by philanthropy, conservation expertise, and local participation. The restoration also created local employment. Around 30 workers were engaged over the course of a year. Future plans include homestays, craft markets, and cultural events that can connect the monument with local livelihoods. In recognition of these contributions, the Minister of Tourism is expected to establish a museum. For Sudi, this means Nagakunda’s revival can become part of daily community life, rather than remaining only a restored site for occasional visitors.”
–– Written by Hiren Kumar Bose, edited by Khushi Arora
Thank you for your continued engagement with the DHF. We look forward to bringing you the latest updates about our ongoing projects, initiatives and publications across the Deccan region of India.