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Somnath: a 1169 CE inscription from Kumarapala’s time

1 min readAncient & Medieval HistoryArt & Culture
Battle IAS current affairs title card: Somnath: a 1169 CE inscription from Kumarapala's time (GS1 · Culture, 11 January 2026)
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20221 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

What happened

  • A eulogistic inscription of 1169 CE at Prabhas Patan, of Bhavabrihaspati, preceptor of Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan, records the history of the Somnath temple [PIB].

Background

  • The Somnath Swabhiman Parv (8-11 January 2026) marked 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghazni’s attack in 1026 [PIB].

Why it matters

  • Inscriptions are primary sources; Solanki patronage of Somnath is a likely Prelims line.

How to use this in Mains

GS-I Indian culture: art forms, literature and architecture

  1. As per PIB (2026-01-11): A eulogistic inscription of 1169 CE at Prabhas Patan, of Bhavabrihaspati, preceptor of Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan, records the history of the Somnath temple.
  2. Inscriptions are primary sources; Solanki patronage of Somnath is a likely Prelims line.
Quotable data point

A eulogistic inscription of 1169 CE at Prabhas Patan, of Bhavabrihaspati, preceptor of Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan, records the history of the Somnath temple.

PIB: Bhadrakali inscription Somnath, 11 Jan 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: Solankis, Somnath.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Kumarapala of Anhilwad Patan was a ruler of the

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB release on Solanki rule at Prabhas Patan.

Go deeper

ExplainerGeographical Indication (GI) Tags in India: Meaning, GI Act 1999, Registration, Benefits, Famous Examples and Issues (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerIndian Temple Architecture: Parts of a Temple, Nagara, Dravida and Vesara Styles, with Key Examples (UPSC Notes + PYQs)

Official source: PIB: Bhadrakali inscription Somnath, 11 Jan 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending