Warangal: Inscriptions are one of the vital sources to study history. Studying or decoding the inscriptions or epigraphs throws light on history. They tell us about achievements, activities, donations and other important transactions executed by those who commissioned them. Majority of the inscriptions were made by royal families. The study of inscriptions helps the present and future generations to learn about history accurately. However, many inscriptions found in erstwhile Warangal district remain unresolved till date, thanks to the apathy of Archaeology and Museums Department officials.
According to R Rathnakar Reddy, a history and archaeology enthusiast, as many as 60 inscriptions, with majority of them engraved on stones, were found in Jangaon district alone. “The inscriptions date back to the period of Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Golconda Sultans and other dynasties. They are in Kannada, Telugu, Urdu and Brahmi scripts,” Rathnakar Reddy told Telangana Today. He has found 11 inscriptions in Jangaon mandal, and nine in Bachannapet mandal. The remaining are in other mandals.
However, about 90 per cent of these inscriptions are yet to be deciphered. “There is a need to decode these inscriptions and record them for the benefit of the future generations. But the Archaeology Department officials are least bothered about the inscriptions. The inscriptions must also be protected,” Reddy added. The inscriptions are found on stone poles, Siva Lingas, flag posts, stepping stones of temples, roofs, rocks on hillocks and others.
“I have visited only 80 per cent of the villages in Jangaon district, and I’m sure I can find some more inscriptions if I cover other villages,” Reddy said and added that many inscriptions in the erstwhile Warangal district remain unsolved. “Since there are no epigraphists in the Archaeology Department, hundreds of inscriptions in the State are yet to be deciphered,” he said and urged the authorities to take steps to decipher these inscriptions. He also lamented that Kundaram inscription that talks about the Kakatiyas was broken. Reddy stressed on a movement to protect the inscriptions.
“The inscription on the Ramappa temple attracts tourists with its unique structure on a high platform. So I hope the government will take steps for the preservation of every inscription. The Gudur inscription, which contains the first of Telugu poems, was the only one to be set up on a high platform with the cooperation of the people of the village,” Rathnakar Reddy added.
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