10th-century hero stone inscription discovered at Panugallu Museum in Nalgonda
NALGONDA: A 10th-century hero stone inscription depicting the valour of a warrior named Kakayya has been identified at the Telangana Heritage Department Museum in Panugallu, Nalgonda district. The hero stone, originally from Eleswaram, was recognised by Voruganti Venkatesh, a member of the Kotha Telanganacharitrabrundam, during field exploration.
The sculpture portrays the hero holding a spear in his right hand and a shield in his left, charging into battle. A fallen enemy lies at his feet while another stands in combat. The hero is adorned with a crest, earrings, necklaces, sacred thread, waistband, armlets, bracelets, anklets and toe rings.
Inscription reveals 996 CE battle account
According to the inscription, written in Telugu-Kannada script and Telugu language, the event dates to 996 CE. It records that Kakayya, serving under Mallaya Komandivaradiya from Davalandi during the reign of Ariyarimma Kumara, fought bravely in battle without retreating and attained Veeraswarga (heroic heaven).
The 21-line inscription was carved by Saraswatta, son of Pavakoju. The text was read and interpreted by Sriramoju Haragopal, convener of the Kotha Telanganacharitrabrundam, who explained its historical significance.
Preserving Telangana’s warrior heritage
Researchers said the discovery adds to the growing collection of hero stones in Telangana that highlight the martial traditions and memorial culture of early medieval Andhra and Telangana regions. The Panugallu museum houses several rare sculptures, inscriptions and artefacts representing the region’s history.
