Ancient inscriptions, ranging from 800 to 2000 years old, were discovered in Kadapa’s Lankkamala Reserve Forest, marking a significant archaeological find. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered rock art dating back to the Megalithic and early historic periods, featuring animal and human figures created with natural materials. The inscriptions, primarily from the 4th to 16th centuries CE and in various scripts like Brahmi and Nagari, indicate that Lankamala was a prominent Shaivite pilgrimage site. This discovery reveals important insights into historical pilgrimage routes and the cultural shifts within the region’s Shaivite tradition.
Hyderabad:
Recently, ancient inscriptions ranging from 800 to 2000 years old have been uncovered at Kadapa’s Lankkamala Reserve Forest in Andhra Pradesh, marking what is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent history. The Archaeological Survey of India also unearthed rock art believed to date back to the megalithic era.
The survey led to the identification of three rock shelters, one of which showcased remarkable prehistoric paintings illustrating animals, geometric designs, and human figures, according to officials.
These paintings, which trace back to the Megalithic (Iron Age) and early historic periods (2500 BCE – 2nd century CE), were made using natural substances such as red ochre, kaolin, animal fat, and pulverized bones.
The rock inscriptions, dating from the 4th to the 16th Century CE, indicate that Lankamala was a prominent Shaivite pilgrimage site frequently visited by devotees from northern India.
The survey, conducted in the challenging landscapes of Nityapujakona, Akkadevatala Konda, and Bandigani Chella, located south of Srisailam, took place from February 27 to March 1 and examined nearly 30 inscriptions within the reserve forest.
The inscriptions featured scripts such as Brahmi (4th Century CE), Shell (6th Century CE), Nagari (Sanskrit), and Telugu characters, as noted by K Munirathnam, the survey’s leader.
“This is a groundbreaking discovery in the history of the ASI. It allows us to trace the pilgrimage routes that even people from North India followed. It illustrates the transition of the Shaivite pilgrimage center from this location to Srisailam starting in the 4th Century,” he remarked.
Explaining the process, he mentioned that the local Forest Range Officer sent them images, prompting the ASI to inform Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
“We then undertook a challenging trek, ascending thousands of feet on steep hills to document the inscriptions amidst perilous forests,” stated Mr. Munirathnam.
Archaeologists have indicated that these texts offer invaluable insights into the historical narrative of the region, illuminating its culture, traditions, and past.