The group of monuments at Lakkundi and surrounding regions (Karnataka, built between the 10th and 12th centuries CE during the Kalyana Chalukya (Western Chalukya) period, are being finalized for inclusion in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. The move is to recognize their architectural and historical significance.
Key Highlights
Proposal initiative:
- The Government of Karnataka tied up with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) to prepare the nomination proposal.
- Once included in the Tentative List for 1 year, the State becomes eligible to submit a detailed nomination dossier for full inscription.
Key Temples & Monuments Proposed
Monuments under consideration (Architectural Ensembles of Kalyana Chalukyas): The proposal includes key temples and stepwells from northern Karnataka:
| Temple/Monument | Features/Importance |
| Brahma Jinalaya (1007 CE) | Jain shrine; oldest temple; soapstone; intricate carvings; dedicated to Brahma, Yakshi Padmavati |
| Kasi Visvesvara Temple | Most ornate; Shiva temple; 3ft Shivalinga; walls show Mahabharata scenes |
| Manikesvara Temple | Known for stepwell Musukina Bavi; exquisite carvings |
| Nanneswara Temple | Lathe-turned polished pillars; hallmark of Chalukyan craftsmanship |
| Doddabasappa Temple (Dambal) | Vesara style temple |
| Japada Bavi (Dambal) | Historic stepped well |
| Trikuteshwara Temple (Gadag) | Triple shrine temple |
| Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) | One of the finest examples of Chalukyan architecture |
| Mallikarjuna Temple (Kuruvatti) | Vesara temple blending Nagara, Dravida, Bhumija styles |
| Someshwara Temple (Lakshmeshwara) | Vesara style; significant sculpture work |
| Tarakeshwara Temple (Hangal) | Vesara style; ornate structure |
Significance of Stepwells:
- Lakkundi is famous for over 100 stepwells (kalyani) integral to temple complexes.
- Stepwells like Musukina Bavi, Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi demonstrate advanced water management and engineering skills of Kalyana Chalukya period.
Why eligible for UNESCO Tentative List?
The monuments fulfill 2 out of 6 UNESCO criteria:
Criterion (ii):
- Demonstrate an important interchange of human values in architecture, art, and design.
- The temples represent Vesara architecture (hybrid style), a hybrid of Nagara (North Indian), Dravida (South Indian), and Bhumija styles (a subtype of the Nagara style), creating a distinctive form.
Criterion (iv):
- Represent an outstanding example of architectural ensembles marking a significant stage in temple and water architecture (10th–12th centuries CE) and history.
- Large stepwells attached to temples illustrate engineering, cultural, and spiritual practices of the era.
- Shows early examples of integrated stepwells (kalyani) into temple complexes- critical for water management in arid Karnataka.
About Lakkundi
| Feature | Details |
| Historical Name | Lokkigundi |
| Political History | Flourished under Kalyana Chalukyas → later Hoysala capital (1191 CE) |
| Economic Importance | Minting coins (Lokki-pon inscriptions); agrahara (center of learning) |
| Monuments | 50+ temples, 100+ stepwells |
| Architectural Style | Vesara (hybrid) – blend of Nagara, Dravida, Bhumija |
| Unique Structures | Integrated stepwells (Musukina Bavi, Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi) |
UNESCO Listing Process
- Tentative list proposal (current step)
- 1 year mandatory period
- Preparation of detailed nomination dossier
- Evaluation by ICOMOS/UNESCO Advisory Bodies
- Decision for World Heritage Site status
What’s Next?
- After 1 year in UNESCO tentative list, Karnataka can submit a detailed nomination dossier for full World Heritage inscription.
- Other Karnataka sites on tentative list:
- Deccan Sultanate monuments
- Srirangapatna monuments
- Hire Benkal megalithic site
- Badami & Aihole monuments
Significance
- Promotes heritage conservation and global recognition of Karnataka’s medieval temple architecture.
- Highlights cultural, architectural, and engineering contributions of Kalyana Chalukya dynasty.
- Supports tourism and sustainable development in the region.