India Post Unveils Special Postmark Featuring Kodigehalli Hero Stone
India Post has released a special postmark depicting the archer from the Kodigehalli hero stone, a 15th-century memorial stone in Karnataka. The postmark, part of the "Inscriptions of Karnataka" series, was launched on 1 July 2026 at the Mythic Society in Bengaluru.
Historical Significance of the Hero Stone
The Kodigehalli hero stone, located in Kodigehalli village, Bengaluru Rural district, dates back to the Vijayanagara period (circa 1425 CE). It commemorates a local warrior who died defending cattle from raiders. The stone features intricate carvings, including a bow-wielding archer, which now appears on the postmark.
According to Dr. S. K. Aruni, an epigraphist at the Mythic Society, "The hero stone is a rare example of folk art from the Vijayanagara era. The archer motif is particularly well-preserved, making it an ideal choice for the stamp series." The stone measures 1.2 meters in height and 0.6 meters in width, with Kannada inscriptions detailing the warrior's deeds.
Postmark Details and Distribution
The special postmark cancels mail with a pictorial design showing the archer in profile, drawing a bow. It is available at the Bengaluru General Post Office and select philatelic bureaus across Karnataka. The initiative aims to promote awareness of Karnataka's epigraphic heritage among the public and stamp collectors.
India Post has previously issued similar postmarks featuring other hero stones in the state, including those at Hebbal and Begur. The Kodigehalli postmark is the third in the series, which has received positive feedback from historians and philatelists.
Preservation Efforts and Community Response
The Kodigehalli hero stone was restored in 2023 by the Mythic Society in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The restoration involved cleaning the stone and reinforcing its base to prevent further weathering. Local residents have also formed a committee to protect the site from vandalism.
"The postmark brings attention to our village's history," said Ramesh Gowda, a Kodigehalli resident and member of the heritage committee. "We hope more people will visit and learn about this monument." The stone is located near the Kodigehalli lake, about 20 kilometers from Bengaluru city center.
Impact on Tourism and Education
Tourism officials expect the postmark to boost heritage tourism in the area. The Karnataka Tourism Department plans to include the Kodigehalli hero stone in its "Heritage Trails" brochure, which highlights lesser-known historical sites. Schools in Bengaluru Rural district have also begun organizing field trips to the site as part of history lessons.
According to the Mythic Society, over 500 people visited the Kodigehalli hero stone in the week following the postmark's launch, a significant increase from the usual 20-30 monthly visitors. The society is now working on a digital archive of hero stones in Karnataka, with the Kodigehalli stone as the first entry.
