Ringing Rocks Along Jangaon–Siddipet Belt Echo a Prehistoric Soundscape
HYDERABAD: A 25 km stretch of volcanic formations along the Jangaon–Siddipet border has emerged as one of Telangana’s most striking geological features, with “ringing rocks” that produce a clear, bell-like tone when struck. The formations span Veerannapet and Chunchanakota in Jangaon district, and Bonakollur, Bandanagaram and Katkur in Siddipet.
Volcanic origins and rare acoustic behaviour
Historians say the rocks were formed around 200 million years ago from lava rich in ferric oxide, giving them unusual density and tone. Experts classify them as natural lithophones rocks capable of producing idiophonic, percussion-like sounds.
The phenomenon has drawn comparisons with global acoustic sites such as England’s Musical Stones of Skiddaw and Pennsylvania’s Ringing Rocks Park in the United States.
Standing 10–20 feet tall, the formations create what researchers describe as a unique natural soundscape. “These aren’t just stones; they’re nature’s orchestra playing tunes from prehistory,” said local historian and retired lecturer D N Swamy.
Archaeological markers across eras
The region also carries signs of continuous human presence. Stone Age axes, Neolithic tool-sharpening grooves, Satavahana-era implements, Kakatiya hero stones (veeragallu), petroglyphs and what researchers believe is Telangana’s largest rock engraving at Veerannapet have been documented.
Cairns locally called rakasi gullu dot the area as burial mounds. At Bonakollur, the Narayanswamy Temple features Garuda and shankha-chakra carvings etched directly on the ringing rocks.
Lakshmi, a resident of Bonakollur, said hearing the rocks resonate had long been part of local memory. “People here knew the rocks made sounds, but never understood why,” she said.
Call for protection as a geo-heritage park
Environmental groups and villagers are now seeking government intervention. “Protecting this 25 km-long stretch as a heritage park would safeguard its geological uniqueness and support eco-tourism,” said environmentalist Sarveshwar Reddy.
A petition urging the Telangana government to notify the area as a heritage park is circulating among locals, historians and archaeologists. Supporters say formal recognition could place Telangana on the global map of natural acoustic sites, attracting researchers, tourists and cultural scholars.
