Madikeri: The department of archaeology, museums and heritage has begun identifying and conserving hero stones (Veeragallu) across the three taluks of Kushalnagar, Somwarpet and Madikeri.More than 500 hero stones and several stone inscriptions have been identified in the three taluks. In the first phase, 55 to 60 hero stones in villages including Hudugur, Bendebetta, Harangi backwater area, Seegehosur and Athur in Kushalnagar taluk have been taken up for preservation. Work has begun to conserve them and document detailed records related to each.As per department instructions, complete information on stone inscriptions, including Veeragallu across rural and city areas of the district, has been documented. A proposal for a development-oriented project has already been sent to the state level.Under the action plan approved for 2025–26, preservation of these stone inscriptions, will be carried out across the three taluks, said BP Rekha, officer, department of archaeology, museums and heritage, Kodagu.
