Draft:Lakkan Dandesha

Lakkanna Dandanayaka, also known as Lakkanna Odeya, Lakkanna Nayaka, Lakkanna Dandesa, Lakkanna Dannayaka, and Lakkanamatya, was a prominent figure in history, holding significant positions in both governance and cultural spheres. Here's a summary of his achievements and contributions:

Governance
Lakkanna served as the governor of the strategic province of Mulubagilu Rajya between 1430 A.D. and 1440 A.D. He also oversaw the provinces of Tekal, Mangaluru, and Barakuru during different periods. His administrative abilities are evident from his effective governance and management of these regions.

Military
Lakkanna was not only a brilliant general but also a successful military leader. He undertook expeditions, including one to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), where he forced the king to accept Vijayanagara's overlordship and pay annual tribute. He also avenged the defeat sustained by his master, Devaraya II, by storming Sagara and Gulbarga and defeating the Bahmani Sultan, Allauddin.

Architecture
Lakkanna was a patron of architectural activities, contributing to the construction of several structures. In 1420 A.D., he built a gopura for the Prasanna Virupaksha temple at Virupakshapura, which is a small but compact tower with three storeys. He also erected a Kalyana Mantapa and excavated a stepped Pushkarani named Manmatha Pushkaram in the temple complex.

Cultural Promotion
Lakkanna was a great promoter of Virasaivism, a Shaivite sect. He was himself a reputed poet and composed the Sivatatva Chintamani in Shatpadi, a work that serves as a handbook of Virasaiva philosophy. This work covers various aspects of Virasaivism, including Siva's panchavimsati-Mas, stories of Praunatha Gcinas, and an account of Basava, among others.

Personal Life
Lakkanna was born to Heggadedeva and Vommayamma and had a brother named Madanna. Despite being a Virasaiva, he claimed to belong to the Vishnuvardhana-gotra, which suggests a connection to the Hoysala family. He spent most of his life in the Kolar region and may have belonged to Virupakshapura, where he was actively involved in building activities. Lakkanna Dandanayaka was a multifaceted personality who excelled in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on governance, culture, and architecture during his time.

Reference: https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.219808/page/n99/mode/2up