How to Carve a King: Janna’s Inscription in the Temple of Amṛteśvara

Abstract The article provides a reading of twelfth-century inscription composed by courtly poet in Karnataka. At its most rudimentary level, the praises king and glorifies his commander. However, closer demonstrates playing with conventions time. One techniques used to enhance power ruler was represent commanders as replicas their king. author turns this mechanism into inscription’s poetic motif. He uses very dynamic reduplication subtly show limits construction power.