MAHBUBABAD: Parts of a 13th Century temple have been destroyed at Rajolu of Kuravi mandal by miscreants searching for hidden treasure. A section of the Shivalayam of the temple, which is known for its architecture, was destroyed. The temple was abandoned a few years ago. While many such incidents have taken place in the recent past, the officials have failed to take any action.
A few months back, the Anthastula Bavi in Shivanagar near the Warangal fort was dug up. The head of a Nandi statue was broken in Khanapur. “The ancient temples reflect our history and culture. Officials need to make efforts to stop such acts. Security should be arranged near the temples,” said local archeologist Aravind Pakide.
Telangana to set up culture forum
The TS department of archaeology and museums plans to create a platform for scholars to unearth the rich cultural heritage of the state. Telangana abounds in fortified cities, rock cut caves, Buddhist stupas, Hindu temples, Jain vestiges and Islamic architecture. It is also the birth place for various schools of Deccan miniature painting. The earliest dates for iron technology are from here.
“Telangana holds a unique position. It is the youngest state and is also one of the oldest sites of human habitation in India. The region is uni-que as it has yielded prolific evidence of almost all cultural stages of human history,” Ms N.R. Visalatchy, director, dep-artment of archaeology and museums told this newspaper.
Sites in Telangana state have yielded important evidence from the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Megalithic, early historic and historical periods. The presence of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic cultures was confirmed for the first time in this region.
The department has convened an international seminar, “Rediscover-ing Telangana”, which will deal with recent trends in archaeology, art, history and conservation” in Hyderabad on January 16 and 17.
