Despair Over Disrepair of Ancient Vijayanagara Ruins in Tirupati District

 Tirupati : Remnants of a Siva temple in a centuries’ old fort, believed to date back to the Vijayanagara period, continue to lie in a state of neglect at Sanambatla, a village along Swarnamukhi River, a tributary meeting River Krishna’s left bank in Chandragiri mandal of Tirupati district.

Archaeologist Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, CEO of Pleach India Foundation, explored the area, acting on information provided by Professor Peta Srinivasulu Reddy, former head of the Telugu department at Sri Venkateswara University. His endeavour led to the discovery of a stone fortification and a Siva temple scattered along both the banks of Swarnamukhi River.

Attributing these architectural marvels to the 16th to 18th centuries CE, Dr. Sivanagi Reddy pointed to the fort wall, measuring around six feet in width, having brick masonry sandwiched between two layers of stone.

“This speaks of the architectural ingenuity of that period," he pointed out.

The archaeologist explained that years of exposure to flooding of Swarnamukhi River has eroded the structure, reducing the once-majestic fort wall and the intricately carved temple remains to rubble. Yet, discernible are the finely crafted temple pillars, ceiling slabs, and other structural components, reflecting hallmarks of the Vijayanagara style, known for its robust construction and elaborate detailing.

Professor Srinivasulu Reddy pointed out that the present Sanambatla village had originally been called Sainyambatla, meaning village of the military force. "This area likely served as a strategic military settlement of the Vijayanagara Empire," he said.

Dr. Sivanagi Reddy and Professor Srinivasulu Reddy emphasised on the need to involve the area’s community in preserving the site, educating the villagers about the need to safeguard the historical remains.

"These ruins are not just stones, but silent witnesses of a glorious era. It is crucial that they be protected for future generations", Dr. Sivanagi Reddy said.

Significantly, village sarpanch Mudumala Suresh Reddy and research scholars P. Srinath Reddy, Srikanth Yadav, and Prakash are part of the discovery and efforts to preserve heritage along Swarnamukhi River.