ASI team decodes 11 Satavahana inscriptions in Gundala forest
Hyderabad: The
Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) team on Tuesday conducted an
epigraphical survey
in the Gundala reserve forest in
Peddapalli district
. With the support of the state forest department, the team imprinted (estampage) 11 inscriptions dating back to the Satavahana period, marking a significant step in understanding the ancient history of the region.
Led by director of epigraphy K Muniratnam Reddy, the ASI team ventured into the Sitammalodi rock area near Gattusingaram village after obtaining permission from the forest department. According to Muniratnam Reddy, this was the second time that ASI's epigraphy branch had conducted a survey in the Gundala forests.
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The inscriptions found on rocks and cave surfaces were dated palaeographically from 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. Among these, two inscriptions attributed to Kumara Hakushri, a Satavahana prince and son of Naganika and Satakarni I, were identified for the first time at the site.
The survey site, known for its prominent rock Sitammalodi, also contains important rock paintings from the Palaeolithic to historical periods. Rendered in red, white and yellow pigments, these paintings offer rare insights into artistic practices across time.
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