Rare 8th century sculptures unearthed in Nalgonda

Nalgonda: Some rare sculptures with unique iconographical features dating back to 8th century AD have been found at Bhattugudem village, Peddavura mandal, Nalgonda district. Noted archaeologist E Sivanagireddy found the beautiful sculptures of Brahma and Bhairava in front of the Kameswara temple of the village. When he enquired with Sriramoju Haragopal Convenor, Kotta Telangana Charitra […]

Nalgonda: Some rare sculptures with unique iconographical features dating back to 8th century AD have been found at Bhattugudem village, Peddavura mandal, Nalgonda district.

Noted archaeologist E Sivanagireddy found the beautiful sculptures of Brahma and Bhairava in front of the Kameswara temple of the village. When he enquired with Sriramoju Haragopal Convenor, Kotta Telangana Charitra Brindam, it was confirmed that these two sculptures were depicted as Dwarapala to the presiding deity.

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This feature did not come across the two Telugu States in terms of the iconographical features. More significantly, Bhairava and Brahma holding the Gada (club) is another feature.

He added that Suparna Mahi, a heritage activist also informed that these sculptures bear Pallava influence as seen at the Bhairavakonda rock cut caves.

Dr Reddy said that Bhairava standing in tribe’s garage posture, holding Dhanaji and Sula on the upper hands and Gada and Bowl in the original hands and was decorated with Saivite ornaments. Brahma sculpture depicts with the usual attributes of Akshamala, Gindi, Katihastha and holding Gada.

It is quite interesting that both the sculptures are shown holding Gada and keeping the hand on the thigh, also an unusual feature. He also noticed yet another unique feature at the temples, depicting Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi, the subordinates of God of Wealth Kubera in female form carved at the bottom portion of the door frames in either side. This is reported for the first time in Telangana, he said.

The archaeologist sensitised the local people and trusties of the temple to erect these rare and unique sculptures on pedestals and preserve them for posterity.

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