Telangana: 8th century sculptures found in Nalgonda

HYDERABAD: Archaeologists and history enthusiasts have found eighth century sculptures in Nalgonda district.
The rare sculptures with unique iconographical features dating back to 1,200 years old were unearthed in Bhattugudem village in Peddavura mandal.
E Siva Nagi Reddy, archaeologist, found the sculptures of Brahma and Bhairava near Kameswara temple in the village.
Sriramoju Haragopal, convenor, Kotha Telangana Charitra Brindam, confirmed that these two sculptures were depicted as dwarapalas to the presiding deity — a feature which was not found in two Telugu states in terms of the iconographical features.
“The attributes held by the gods in which the club is conspicuous with its presence in the hands of Bhairava and Brahma,” said Nagi Reddy.
Nagi Reddy said Suparna Mahi, a heritage activist, also confirmed that these sculptures bear Pallava influence as seen at the Bhairavakonda rock-cut caves.
Nagi Reddy also noticed another unique feature at the temple depicting Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi, subordinates of god of wealth Kubera, carved at the bottom portion of the door frames on either side which is also a first in Telangana.
He sensitised locals and trusties of the temple to install these rare sculptures on pedestals and preserve them for posterity.