Ancient Rashtrakuta Hero Stone Discovered Near Hyderabad Temple, Left Exposed to Elements
In a significant archaeological find, a 10th-century hero stone with Saiva affiliation has been identified beside the Beerappa temple near the service road at Manchirevula village in Gandipet mandal of Rangareddy district, Hyderabad. The sculpture, dating back to the Rashtrakuta period, has been left exposed and neglected, raising concerns about its preservation.
Archaeologist Raises Alarm Over Neglect
Archaeologist Dr. E. Sivanagireddy inspected the sculpture on Sunday after being alerted by Sriramoju Haragopal, convenor of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam. Dr. Reddy expressed dismay at the monument's unprotected state, noting that it has survived for approximately 1,000 years but now remains in the open without any shelter from sun and rain. He emphasized the historical significance of the sculpture and the urgent need for protection to prevent further damage.
Iconographical Details of the Hero Stone
The sculpture depicts a hero adorned with ornaments and poised for combat, standing in the Alidhasana pose. The figure holds a sword in the right hand and a shield in the left. A distinctive feature highlighted by Dr. Reddy is a snake with its hood raised above the hero's head. These iconographical elements are key to dating the sculpture to the Rashtrakuta period, providing valuable insights into the art and culture of that era.
Historical Context: The Rashtrakuta dynasty, which ruled parts of India from the 6th to the 10th centuries, is known for its contributions to architecture and sculpture. This hero stone adds to the rich archaeological heritage of the Telangana region.
Calls for Immediate Protection Measures
Dr. Reddy stressed that the sculpture requires immediate safeguarding from environmental factors. He recommended measures such as installing a protective cover or relocating it to a museum to ensure its longevity. The neglect of such historical artifacts underscores the need for enhanced archaeological conservation efforts in the area.
Note: This discovery highlights the importance of community involvement in preserving cultural heritage, as local historians like Sriramoju Haragopal play a crucial role in identifying and reporting such finds.
