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Heritage at Every Step - A GalleryRural heritage holds centuries of wisdom but is vanishing due to neglect. Through Preserve Heritage for Posterity, we visit rural areas to build awareness towards the value for our heritage. We have here documented pictures of select artifacts/structures found during the PHP programme, creating an archive that celebrates India’s cultural and historical richness while inspiring their preservation.
- Date of Find: June 8th, 2018
- Location: Karampudi, Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Iron Age Menhir
- Artifact Type: Megalithic
- Dynasty/Style: Iron Age
- Material: Limestone
- Dimensions (inches): 168 x 360 x 10.8
- Description: Pleach India Foundation in its survey noticed a iron age Menhir located at Karempudi village in Guntur. This Menhir stands as a testament to ancient Iron Age culture civilizations, with its imposing stature. The Pleach team appealed to local realtors to safeguard the Iron age monument for posterity.
- Date of Find: September 11th, 2019
- Location: Nayakallu, near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Mahishasura Mardini
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Rashtrakuta Period
- Material: Sandstone
- Dimensions(inches): 90 x 2 x 0.30
- Description: This rare and exquisite Mahishasura Mardini sculpture, dated 8th century CE. Depicts Ashtabhuja Devi in tribhanga posture killing Mahishasura. Goddess wields trident, holds demon's tongue. Aggressive lion, goddess's vehicle, ready to pounce. Sculpture represents Rashtrakuta style of art.
- Date of Find: April 11th, 2021
- Location: Burugula, Chittoor, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Shiva temple
- Artifact Type: Temple
- Dynasty/Style: Kakatiya
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The temple represents typical Kakatiya architecture, with a garbhagriha, ardha mandapa and from roopamandapa of temple ruins.
- Date of Find: June 2nd, 2017
- Location: Morjampadu, Gurajala, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Stepwell
- Artifact Type: Well architecture
- Dynasty/Style: Qutub Shahi
- Material: NA
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The L-shaped stepped well is constructed with proper steps and landings to facilitate villagers in fetching drinking water throughout the year. Noteworthy features include two elephant sculptures serving as balustrades at the entrance, along with sculptures depicting snakes, fish, tortoises, Krishna's Kaliya Mardana, Gopika Vastrapaharanam, rishis, and erotic motifs.
- Date of Find: August 9th, 2022
- Location: Kethavaram, Belamkonda, Guntur Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Ganesha
- Artifact Type: Rock cut Carving
- Dynasty/Style: Reddy-Vijayanagara
- Material:
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The sculpture of Ganesha is cut on the balustrade of a stepped pathway leading to the periphery point to the fort. The image is in bold relief inside a shrine which is delineated in a linear format.
- Date of Find: February 8th, 2022
- Location: Kankal village, Pudur Mandal, Vikarabad
Artefact Details:
- Title: Group of Sculptures
- Artifact Type: Sculptures
- Dynasty/Style: Kalyani Chalukya
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Set of sculptures noticed by the Pleach team of 8th - 12th century CE, sculptures neglect at Kankal. Sensitized the villagers on the need to preserve these sculptures of historical importance for posterity.
- Date of Find: February 2nd, 2016
- Location: Tirumala temple Gopura, Thondavada, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Gopura
- Artifact Type: Architectural Structure
- Dynasty/Style: Vijayanagara
- Material: Granite Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The Gopura of the Tirumala Temple, constructed mainly of granite stone, embodies the distinctive Vijayanagara architectural style. An inscription from 1433 CE found on the temple's outer wall mentions an agreement between the treasury of Sri Venkateswara Temple and the residents of Siddhankkuttai Village, identifying the Gopura and surrounding structures as part of a sacrificial temple (Yagasala) in Siddhank Kottai Village.
- Current Condition: Surrounded by huge trees, bushes, the Gopura faces a serious threat to its existence.
- Date of Find: February 6th, 2016
- Location: Ratham Bazar, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Dwarapala
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Vengi Chalukya
- Material: Red Sandstone
- Dimensions (inches): 68 x 29 x 15.7
- Description: The Dwarapala Sculpture, was recovered from the bed of the Eluru Canal during its excavation in 1850 by British Engineers, representing the Eastern Chalukyan style of art.
- Condition: While shifting the sculpture for a road wederning, it was broken and has been there in its present location without any protection.
- Date of Find: November 26th, 2016
- Location: Gundlakamma river bed, Vennampalli, Tripurantakam mandal, Prakasam , Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Buddhist Panel I
- Artifact Type: Sculptural Panel
- Dynasty/Style: Early Historic period
- Material: Limestone
- Dimensions (inches): 55 x 37 x 5.11
Description: A Buddhist panel was recovered from the Gundlakamma river bed by villagers of Vennampalli while mining sand. Depict the worship of Dharma Chakra and representative of the mature phase of Amaravati art, dating back to the 1st cen CE.The panel belongs to the Buddhist Stupa located on Singarakonda hill at Chandavaram village, where they were used to encase the brick-built stupa.
- Date of Find: November 26th, 2016
- Location: Gundlakamma river bed, Vennampalli, Tripurantakam mandal, Prakasam dist, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Buddhist Panel II
- Artifact Type: Sculptural Panel
- Dynasty/Style: Early Historic Period
- Material: Limestone
- Dimensions (inches): 61 x 21.6 x 15
- Description: Two Buddhist panels were recovered from the Gundlakamma river bed by villagers of Vennampalli while mining sand. Depict the worship of Dharma Chakra and are representative of the mature phase of Amaravati art (1st cen. CE). The panel believed to belong to the Buddhist Stupa located on Singarakonda hill at Chandavaram village, where panel was used to encase the brick-built stupa.
- Date of Find: August 16th, 2018
- Location: Eturu Village, Nandigama, Krishna, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Amitabha Buddha Statue
- Artifact Type: Stone Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Reddys of Kondaveedu
- Material: Black Granite stone
- Dimensions: 72 x 48 x 12.6
- Description: The sculpture carved out of granite stone, depicted seated in Vajra Paryankasana in Dhyana Mudra on a Padma Peetha. Features a prominent halo behind the head and Ushnisha (Cranial Protuberance) with series of flames, representing Amitabha Buddha. Unique find compared to similar sculptures from other regions like Kuthuru, Kollapattu, Nidamarru, Nagapattinam, Tiruvatti, Elaiyur, and Thanjavur.
- Date of Find: January 4th, 2023
- Location: Sandrelli(Chandravelli), Manthani - Muttaram, Khambhampalli Mandal, Peddapalli, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Shiva Temple Ruins
- Artifact Type: Temple structure
- Dynasty/Style: Kakatiya
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Temple ruins locally called at Alta Kadala gullu (temple of Aunty and daughter) are in ruins. The two temples represent the mature phase of Kakatiya style of architecture. The walls, pillars door frames, ceilings slabs bear beautiful carvings of divine and secular themes dated to the 13th century.
- Date of Find: December 18th, 2016
- Location: Nidamarru, Mangalagiri Mandal, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: 10th Century AD Buddha Idol
- Artifact Type: Buddha Idol
- Dynasty/ Style: Vengi Chalukya
- Material: Black granite stone
- Dimensions(inches): 35 x 49.21 x 11
- Description: The Buddha image, carved out of black granite stone and depicted in Dhyana Mudra, it belongs to the Vengi Chalukya period. The idol was found kept on the roadside without any shelter. The Buddha Idol at Nidamarru is of significant both historically and culturally.
- Date of Find: December 15th, 2021
- Location: Kurella, Siddipet, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Jain Chaumukh Sculpture
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Rashtrakuta or Chalukyan Style
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 2 inches
- Description: Set of Jain Chaumukh idols from the medieval period of the Rashtrakuta times were discovered in agricultural fields at Kurella village. Each with grooves in square shape. The idols represented Adinatha, Neminatha, Parshwanath, and Vardhamana Mahavira of the naked Digambar sect of Jainism, seated in the Padmasana meditation mode. Believed to be of Rashtrakuta or Chalukyas (10th cen. CE), who ruled the Vemulawada region, based on style of art and iconography.
- Date of Find: October 26th, 2018
- Location: Sivayya School, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details
- Title: Unique Miniature Mosque
- Artifact Type: Architectural Structure
- Dynasty/Style: Qutb Shahi Dynasty
- Material: Stone and Stucco
- Dimensions(inches): 39 x 45
- Description: A miniature mosque is supported by one pillar and features an arch, representing the Qutb Shahi style of architecture. Represents a unique architectural find in the region.The only of its kind reported from AP.
- Date of Find: June 4th, 2019
- Location: Near Basava Lingam temple, Macherla, Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Kalyani Chalukya style
- Material: Black granite stone
- Dimensions(inches): 60 x 36
- Description: Carved from black granite stone, the idol stands a remarkable representation of the seventh Jain Tirthankara, Suparshvanath, Kalyani Chalukya style of art and iconography. It highlights the presence of Jainism in Macherla during the 11th century CE. It offers insights into artistic and religious practices of the time.
- Date of Find: August 12th, 2019
- Location: Diguvu Mittapally, Giddaluru, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: 20th Century Railway Bridge
- Artifact Type: Architectural Structure
- Dynasty/Style: Post colonial period
- Material: Brick
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A brick built railway bridge in neglected state near Diguvu Mittapally of 75 years old, basing on its unique architecture features and antiquity. Pleach India Foundation appealed to Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to declared it as a protected monument and preserve heritage for posterity.
- Date of Find: October 30th, 2019
- Location: Velpuru village, Krosur Mandal, Guntur , Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: 1000 Nagas Sculpture
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Vengi Chalukya
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions (inches): 24 x 72 x 4.8
- Description: The rare sculpture features 1000 tiny serpent sculptures carved on a single broken granite slab. The slab, bears 24 rows with 26 miniature sculptures in each row on the front side, totaling 624 visible serpents. Based on the style of delineation and art, dated the Naga Sculpture to the Vengi Chalukya period (10th cen CE).
- Date of Find: January 16th, 2021
- Location:Tatikona near Chandragiri - Chittoor, Tirupati, AP
Artefact Details:
- Title: Iron Age Burial
- Artifact Type: Burial
- Dynasty/Style: Iron Age
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Pleach India Foundation in its survey noticed a megalith located at Tatikona near Chandragiri village. This structure stands as a testament to ancient Iron Age culture. The Pleach team appealed to local realtors to safeguard the Iron age monument for posterity.
- Date of Find: April 8th, 2021
- Location: Nilakanthapuram village, Madakasira mandal, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Terracotta Ganesha Sculpture
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Material: Terracotta
- Dynasty/Style: Early historic period
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: 2nd century terracotta Ganesha sculpture was found in the agricultural fields. It depicted an elephantine figure without any headgear, with two hands and a trunk turned towards the right side. Despite damages to the ears, hands, and legs due to constant tilling of the land, the features facilitated the identification as Ganesha's sculpture. The sculpture, shedding light on the region's historical significance during ancient times.
- Date of Find: June 5th, 2022
- Location: Lingojigudem, Choutuppal mandal, Rangareddy, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Stepped well
- Artifact Type: Well architecture
- Dynasty/Style: NA
- Material:
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A step well with a gallery on two sides, seen with a growth of rank vegetation and ruins, the Pleach India Foundation issued on pressed released on the state of affairs, the HMDA responded very positively and undertook conservation majors. Now it is attracting huge number of tourist as it is closed to national highway.
- Date of Find: September 27th, 2022
- Location: Gangalakunta, Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Menhirs at Gangalakunta
- Artifact Type: Iron age monument/Heritage remains
- Dynasty/Style: Megalithic period
- Material:Napa stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Megalithic era menhirs, tall stone pillars erected as memorials to the dead. This is the biggest memorial stones (Menhirs) on the right bank of Krishna at Gangalakunta village, Veldurdi mandal, Palnadu district under Preserve Heritage for Posterity program.
- Date of Find: January 29th, 2023
- Location: Malyala village, Narayanaraopet, Siddipet, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Biggest Vaishnava Dwarapala
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Style: Rashtrakuta to early Kalyana Chalukyan period (inbetween)
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions (inches): 72 x 36 x 9
- Description: The Dwarapala sculpture, stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and religious devotion. It features an elongated kirita (crown) on the head, profuse ornaments on the body, and holds gada (mace) and Suchi mudra in the original two hands, and Sankhu (conch) and Chakra (discus) in the additional two hands, it represents the iconic Vijaya, the doorkeeper of Vishnu.
- Date of Find: March 17th, 2023
- Location: Chilkur, Moinabad Mandal, RR, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Temple ruins
- Artifact Type: Structure/Sculpture
- Date/Period: 12th-13th cen CE
- Dynasty/Style: Kakatiya
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A temple built during 12-13th cen CE of architecture presently in dilapidated state. A sculpture also found in the premises of the temple
- Date of Find: June 6th, 2023
- Location: Deerghasi village, Polaki Mandal, Srikakulam , Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: 5th Century Mahishamardini Stone Plaque
- Artifact Type: Stone Plaque
- Date/Period : 5th cen CE
- Dynasty/Style: Early Phase of the Eastern Gangas.
- Material: Stone and Brick structure
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A stone plaque depicting Mahishamardini sculpture and was found amidst debris near the Bhagavati Temple in Deerghasi village. Mahishamardini is depicted holding the tail of the buffalo demon, piercing a spear into his body, and holding a shield and sword with her other two hands. The demon is portrayed in animal form, with Mahishamardini placing her right leg on its head.
- Date of Find: September 10th, 2023
- Location: Avancha, Thimmajipet mandal, Nagarkurnool , Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Rock-cut sculpture of Ganesha
- Artifact Type: Rock-cut sculpture
- Date/Style : 12th cen. CE
- Dynasty/Period: NA
- Material: Granite Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The Biggest monolithic Ganesha in entire Indian context. Pleach India Foundation urges the villagers to protect it for posterity.
- Date of Find: July 10th, 2023
- Location: Pidi Mandasa, Mandasa mandal, Srikakulam
Artefact Details:
- Title: 11th cen. CE Temple
- Artifact Type: Temple structure
- Date/Period: 11th cen. CE
- Dynasty/Style: NA
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A temple exemplifying the Eastern Ganga architectural style and structure shares striking similarities with the famed Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temples feature a garbhagriha (sanctum), ardha mandapa, garuda mandapa, and a gudamandapa topped with a rekha nagara shikhara. Exquisite sculptures adorn both the interior and exterior of this temple. This a lesser known temple being located in remote area needs to be conserved and publicized properly.
- Date of Find: August 5th, 2023
- Location: Jadcherla, Mahbubnagar, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Stepwell
- Artifact Type: Architectural Structure
- Date/Period: 13th-16th Cen. CE
- Dynasty/Style: NA
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: A stepped well with a gallery on two sides is attached to Venkateswara temple in Jadcherla town in total dilapidated condition. It is based on the style architecture of the gallery by corridor belongs to 11th-12th C CE. Pleach urged the district administration to restore its past glory and make preservable to visitors.
- Date of Find: August 13th, 2023
- Location: Imamguda, Maheshwaram, Rangareddy, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Megalithic Burials
- Artifact Type: Heritage remains
- Date/Style : 1000 years old
- Dynasty/Period: Iron age
- Material: Bedrock
- Dimensions:
- Description: Pleach India Foundation in its survey noticed to megalithic burial structure located close to national highway (Hyderabad to Vijayawada) at Imamguda near Ramoji Film City, is endangered with winding of the highway, thus Pleach India Foundation appealed to Dept. Heritage of Telangana to safeguard the Iron age monument for posterity.
- Date of Find: August 20th, 2023
- Location: Moosapet headquarters, Mahabubnagar, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Neolithic rock bruisings at Moosapet
- Artifact Type: Rock art/Heritage remains
- Dynasty/Period: Prehistoric period
- Material: Bedrock
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Neolithic rock bruising of a bull along with few figurines of men and animals documented at a height of 400 ft from ground level. The art forms represents early phase of neolithic period where figures may have been carved with stick type object and hammering stone tool, in the region.
- Date of Find: October 10th, 2023
- Location: Bejjanki, Siddipet, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Tile: Bhairava
- Artifact Type: Rock-cut Sculpture
- Date/Style : 13th cen. CE
- Dynasty/Period: Kakatiya
- Material: Granite stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Bhairava is adorned with intricate arrangements of twisted serpents, adorning himself with earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread (yajnopavita). His attire includes a tiger skin and a ceremonial apron fashioned from human bones. Accompanied by a dog as his divine vehicle, Bhairava embodies a fierce and formidable presence. Bhairava assumes the role of a village guardian, ensuring protection in all eight directions. Revered as Bahirawa in Sinhalese culture, he is believed to safeguard treasures and is central to the worship of the Aghora sect.
- Date of Find: October 15th, 2023
- Location: Moodu Chintalapalli, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Geoglyph
- Artifact Type: Geoglyph/ Heritage remains
- Dynasty/Period: Prehistoric
- Material: Bedrock
- Dimensions: 20cm x 15cm x 10 mtrs
- Description: Etched on a low-lying granitoid hillock, the geoglyph spans 7.5 metres in diameter and has a perfect circular shape. Surrounding the circle is a 30 cms wide rim, and within the circle are two triangles. Circle in geoglyph may have inspired megalithic burial sites. Nearby rock shelters (within 1km) have dated Mesolithic/Megalithic art (bulls, deer, masks).
- Date of Find: October 17th, 2023
- Location: Lingapur, Muduchinthalapall, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Rock art
- Artifact Type: Rock art & stone tools
- Dynasty/Period: Mesolithic period
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The rock art has been documented at the entrance of the cupola rock cave on 10ft high cliff that denotes over 40 rock paintings of animals and humans shows similarity to paintings of Pyararam village. Neolithic grooves and Few Mesolithic stone tools have been found near the site. The carvings represent seasonal camps of neolithic culture where figures may have been painted by natural minerals pigments with various technique.
- Date of Find: November 15th, 2023
- Location: Nayakallu village, Kallur mandal, Kurnool , Andhra Pradesh
Artefact Details:
- Title: Vardhamana Mahavira Sculpture
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Material: Black granite stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Mahavira is typically portrayed in a meditative stance, whether seated or standing, often accompanied by the emblem of a lion beneath him, here the sculpture is dilapidated. It is significant to note that the village was once a Jainsite. Since the sculpture is found neglected the Pleach India Foundation intend the villagers to preserve it for posterity.
- Date of Find: January 7th, 2024
- Location: Polepalli, Jadcharla mandal, Mahaboobnagar, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: Shiva Temple Ruins
- Artifact Type: Temple structure
- Dynasty/Period: Kalyani Chalukya
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: Dating back to the 11th century CE, the Chennakesava temple exemplifies the architectural style characteristic of the Kalyani Chalukyan period. Through proactive measures and dedicated leadership, the local community has rallied to safeguard this historically significant site.
- Date of Find: February 2nd, 2024
- Location:
Artefact Detail
- Title: Sivalinga with 4 Nandis on four sides
- Artifact Type: Sculpture
- Dynasty/Period: Kakatiya Period
- Material: Black granite Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: It’s uniquely adorned with four Nandi figures on four sides. This Shivalinga represents a rare departure from traditional iconography. The presence of four Nandis, each facing a cardinal direction, sparks intriguing interpretations. It serves as a powerful representation of Shiva's multifaceted nature.
- Date of Find: February 10th, 2024
- Location: Mannanur ghat, Nagarkurnool, Telangana
Artefact Details:
- Title: 13th century Torana
- Artifact Type: Architectural Structure
- Dynasty/Style: Kakatiya Period
- Material: Stone
- Dimensions: NA
- Description: The torana compromises two vertical jambs upon which their is a lantern image depicted, this might have served as a entrance to Pratap Rudra Fort on stylistic grounds it represents the Kakatiya style of architecture.