Old Malakpet road reveals 17th-century Nandi memorial pillar
HYDERABAD: A Nandi-topped stone memorial pillar, believed to date to the 17th century, has been identified on a road in Old Malakpet, in front of Zahida Residency, by members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam.
The pillar features a relief carving of a warrior standing with a sword over his right shoulder. He is shown holding his wife’s hand with his left hand. A sculpture of Nandi crowns the pillar, as reported by DC.
Stone slab with two Nandis found beside pillar
A stone slab carved with two Nandi figures was also found lying beside the pillar.
Sriramoju Haragopal, president of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, said the Nandi-bearing stone pedestal marked a grave, suggesting that the burial site was located at the spot.
Carving Nandi figures on graves was a practice associated with the Shaiva tradition, he said. Based on the style of the sculptures, Haragopal said the Nandi stone and associated grave markers could date to the 17th century.
Discovery made by software engineer during road journey
Karthik Vatsavayi, a software engineer and member of the brundam, said he noticed the stone pillar while passing through the area.
“As I was passing by, I spotted a stone pillar on the road. I became curious and studied it and found that the carvings depicted an ancient style,” he said.
Vatsavayi informed the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, following which a team visited the site.
“A team later reached the spot and found out that it is a 17th-century monument. This site is empty and there is no temple. Both sides of the road have apartments,” he said.
The brundam has about 100 enthusiasts who explore historical sites during weekends, Vatsavayi said. “Most of them are professionals from various fields,” he added.
The group’s recent discovery was a hero stone at Keesaragutta, he said. The group has also documented other historical sculptures and inscriptions across Telangana.
