JI
Aryan Culture
Jinamanjari
Vol. 20 · No. 02
Jinamanjari
A History of the Bahubali Statue in Karkala, South India
1999Vol. 20 · No. 02pp. 58–61
Dr. Y. Umanatha Shenoy (born July 1947) is a distinguished Indian historian, archaeologist, epigraphist, and iconographist. He writes in Kannada and is proficient in several languages including Kannada, English, Hindi, Konkani, Tulu, Marathi, Sanskrit, and Prakrit. Education & Academic Career • Earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Mysore. His doctoral thesis, titled “Region and Religion: Dharmasthala—A Study”, focused on analyzing historical records of the Dharmasthala temple. • Began his teaching career in 1971 at Loka Seva Junior College, Alike. In 1982, he established the postgraduate History department at Mangalore University. By 1987, he joined the Department of History at Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire. He served as Head of Department, Chairman of the Board of Studies and Examinations, and as a Ph.D. guide until retiring in 2018. Research & Publications • A prolific scholar, Dr. Shenoy has published over 200 research articles and has discovered and translated many stone and copper plate inscriptions. • He authored 21 books, covering regional history, temple studies, literature, and epigraphy. Notable works include: o Bangara Ithihasa (1985) o Putturu Kshethrada Ithihasa (1985) o Belthangady Taluk Darshana (1986) o Karkalada Gomateshwara Charithre (1990) o Moodubidire Chandranatha Swamiya Savira Kambada Basadi (2008) o Later works exploring Jain temples across Karnataka, such as Avibhajitha Dakshina Kannada Jilleya Jaina Basadigalu (2015) and Karavali Karnatakada Jaina Mandiragala Darshana (2017) Awards & Recognition • Honored with prestigious titles and awards including: o Samsodhaka Praveena (Jain Mutt, Moodbidri, 2008) o The Gomateshwara Vidyapitha Prashasthi for Literature (Shravanabelagola, 2009) o Jinavani Puraskara by Bharatha Bhushana Swasthi Charukeerthi Bhattaraka (Moodbidri) o Basti Vaman Shenoy Vishwa Konkani Seva Puraskar in 2020 for his exceptional contributions to historical research. o Polali Sheenappa Hegde and S.R. Hegde Award in 2021. Born - July 1947 Fields - History, Archaeology, Epigraphy, Iconography Education - M.A. and Ph.D.—University of Mysore Career - Faculty at various institutions; retired 2018 Publications - 200+ research articles; 21 books Awards - Multiple honors in literature and historical studies