Medieval rock art unearthed in Medak reveals medieval art, mesolithic microliths nearby

A newly discovered rock painting site near Venkataiahpalli village in Medak district features rare medieval-era depictions, including a musician playing a string instrument and mythological combat scenes. The site also yielded Mesolithic microliths and petroglyphs.

Hyderabad: A new rock painting site from the medieval period has been discovered on the outskirts of Venkataiahpalli village, Medak district, by Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam members, Ahobilam Karunakar, Mohammad Naseeruddin, and Korivi Gopal.

The rock paintings depicting a string instrument artist were found on land belonging to a local resident, Chandrayya, and were analysed by the Brundam’s convener, Sriramoju Haragopal, co-convener, BV Bhadragirish, and their colleague K. Jayanth.

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This rock shelter, resembling a structure of stone slabs placed over two boulders, sits at ground level and features rock paintings in red pigment.

On the left boulder, the paintings depict a divine chariot with two oxen tied to it, decorative patterns on one side, and an artist playing a string instrument resting on the shoulder. On the right boulder, there is an image of a demon-like figure and a warrior engaged in combat. Above these figures, a long snake-like line is drawn.

Bhadragirish noted that this is the first instance of a rock painting depicting an artist with a string instrument. Haragopal said these rock paintings are believed to belong to the medieval period.

At a distance of 50 feet from the rock painting site, microliths from the Mesolithic period were found. A little further away, petroglyphs resembling decorative lines and a human figure were found etched into a large boulder.