Musical rocks found on Nirmal hillock surprise locals and visitors

A historian in Nirmal has identified rocks on a nearby hillock that produce musical tones when struck. Believed to be volcanic in origin, the site has drawn local interest, with calls to develop it into a protected geo heritage spot

Nirmal: Can stones sing? Well, the question seems to have found an answer. A historian and poet from this town, Thummala Devarao, claimed that certain rocks spotted on a hillock near the town could typically produce musical bell-like tones when struck. He, along with nature lovers, visited the hillock after being informed about the unusual nature of the rocks by locals on Saturday.

Sharing findings of the visit, Devarao said that rocks located on the west side of the hillock, locally known as Gandiramannagutta, situated on the periphery of Nirmal, could produce musical tones. He stated that the rocks were formed due to the explosion of volcanoes around 66 million years ago. He attributed the generation of the tones to the volcanic origin of the rocks, scientifically called lithophones.

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“Lava erupted from the explosion, which had given rise to the formation of basalt rocks. Certain rocks formed by the process are producing musical tones, surprising visitors and locals,” he reasoned. In a video clip recorded by the historian, one can clearly hear tones and pitches generated from the rocks when hit by small stones.

He opined that the rocks could be protected by developing the hillock as a geo heritage spot. He remarked that the site had the potential to become a tourist attraction if basic amenities were created. He added that similar ringing rocks could be found near the ancient Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam of Basar. He was joined by Nerella Hanmanthu, Abbadi Rajeshwari and others from the town.

Locals echoed similar views and urged the government to take steps to safeguard the site by forming a fence and deploying security guards. They regretted that the hillock was prone to mining and encroachment if neglected. They said that the surroundings of Nirmal town were bestowed with natural wonders and historical sites.

Geologists opined that certain rocks could produce musical tones not only due to volcanic origin, but also because of their unique crystalline structure and density. They stated that the rocks could be situated in specialised geological sites. They observed that the rocks would act like natural instruments and could create different tones and pitches depending on their shape and size.

Incidentally, pillars of a 500-year-old Vittala temple can produce sounds resembling bells, drums and wind instruments when tapped in Hampi of Karnataka.