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New Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Science
- New Indian Express
Rare 6th-century shell script inscriptions discovered in Kadapa, first in South India
KADAPA: In a significant archaeological breakthrough, three rare shell character inscriptions dating back to the 6th century CE have been discovered in Lankamalla forest of Siddhavatam range, Kadapa district. The find, announced by Director (Epigraphy) at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Dr K Munirathnam Reddy, marks the first-ever discovery of Shell script inscriptions in South India. Previously found only in northern and Deccan regions, the Shell script is considered one of the most enigmatic ancient writing systems in the subcontinent. The newly unearthed inscriptions, etched on stone slabs and composed in Sanskrit, are believed to be pilgrimage records. They bear texts such as Bhagate(ni) Radhiya, Dharadhisha Bhagavata, and (Go)sata Dharma. 'These inscriptions are of immense historical value, offering insights into ancient pilgrimage routes and religious practices in the region,' said Dr Reddy. He noted that despite decades of scholarly effort, the Shell script remains partially deciphered. Noted scholars like the late Prof BN Mukherjee and Prof Richard Solomon had made significant strides but could not fully decode it. The ASI has now called for a comprehensive and comparative study of all known Shell inscriptions to deepen understanding of the script's origins and historical context.
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
ASI documents 11 ancient inscriptions in Telangana strengthening ties to Asmaka and early Deccan history
HYDERABAD: In a remarkable development that deepens the historical narrative of Telangana, the Epigraphy branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has documented 11 ancient inscriptions dating from the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE. These newly recorded etchings strengthen the theory that the region was once part of Asmaka — one of the 16 Mahajanapadas mentioned in early Indian texts. Carved into a rock locally known as Sitammalodi near Gattusingaram village in Peddapalli, the inscriptions open a rare window into the socio-political and cultural landscape of the early Deccan, especially during the Satavahana period. The survey was conducted on April 29 and 30 under the leadership of ASI director (Epigraphy) K Munirathnam Reddy with the support of local Forest department. Munirathnam Reddy told TNIE that the Epigraphy branch had earlier confirmed Telangana's connection to Asmaka through an inscription found in Mukkataraopeta, Karimnagar district, about three years ago. 'This latest discovery adds further weight to that historical link,' he remarked. Among the newly discovered inscriptions, one found at the Gundavaram rock shelter is particularly intriguing. Opening with a trident and a damaru — symbols traditionally associated with a religion — it marks the first known appearance of such iconography in an early inscription in South India.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
14th century copper plate inscription found in AP's Srisailam reveals first instance of term 'Swarajya'
ONGOLE: A set of 14th century copper plates found in Srisailam Devasthanam revealed the historical coining of 'Swarajya Punarudhharana' (restoration of independent state). The set consists of three leaves with inscriptions in both Sanskrit and Telugu languages. The plates have been dated Saka 1341, Sarvari, Magha Sudha Triodasi, Thursday, translating to January 28 of 1420 CE. The inscription records the regaining of control over areas earlier occupied by 'Turakas' or Muslims. According to the recently discovered records, Recharla Lingama Nayaka had restored eight Agraharas, namely: Vodanekalapalli, Mukundavaram, Singapuram, Basavapuram (all in the Munaluri- Seema), Pudinadulu (in Guḍipalli- Seema), Autupalli (in Charikonda Seema), Juvunemutlu and the Suddapalli (in Devarakonda- Seema), as well as some vṛittis of land in the villages Regadevulapalli, Vuggulapalli and Ganapuram to the God Sri Mahesvara Deva of Srisailam. The records noted that various services associated with the Srisailam temple were stopped due to Muslim occupation of the region, but were resumed after Recharla Lingama Nayaka regained control over the region. The services listed in the inscription are: Nityaapahara (providing daily food-offerings to the deity), Akhanda-Dipala- Chamuru (Supply of Ghee for burning perpetual lamps in the temple), Nivalipalyalu - Nityasatram (Distributing food at the almshouse), Sivaratri-Mahotsavam (Celebration of Maha Sivaratri Festival) and Bhuri Satram (Providing accommodation to the pilgrims in the choultries). The Archarological Survey of India's Mysore division Director (Epigraphy), Dr K Munirathnam Reddy, emphasised the historical significance of the inscription. He noted that this is the first instance of the phrase 'Swarajya Punarudhharana' in Telugu inscriptions. "The phrase describes the consequences of Muslim occupation of a place of religious prominence and the subsequent restoration of privileges to the temple and its Agraharas, following reclamation by the King Recharla Lingama Nayaka." During the independence movement, Maratha leader Bala Gangadhara Tilak used the word 'Swarajyam' word in his famous slogan 'Swarajyam Naa Janma Hakku' (independent state is my birth right). Later, Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu took this and started his famous News Paper 'Swarajya' in three languages.
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
ASI unearths copper inscription of Recharla period in Srisailam
NELLORE: Dr K Munirathnam Reddy, Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has revealed a historically significant copper plate inscription discovered at Srisailam in Kurnool district. Dated Saka 1341 (1420 CE, January 28), the copper plates-written in both Sanskrit and Telugu, using Telugu script-record a crucial moment in the revival of religious and social services after a period of foreign occupation. The inscription, consisting of three copper leaves, details how Recharla Lingama Nayaka reclaimed areas previously seized by the Turakas (Turks) and restored the eight agraharas associated with the Srisailam temple. These included Vodanekapalli, Makundavaram, Singapuram, Basavapuram (in Munaluri-sima), Pudinadulu (in Gunipalli-sima), Aunupalli (in Chanikonda-sima), Juvunemtulu, and Sunapalli (in Devarakonda-sima). Additionally, land grants (vrittis) in Regadevulapalli, Vuggulapalli, and Ganapuram were also reinstated to the deity Sri Maheshvardevara. 'The inscription emphasises that many essential temple services had ceased during the Turaka occupation. After regaining control, Lingama Nayaka revived them, ensuring the spiritual and social ecosystem of Srisailam temple was brought back to life,'' Dr. K Munirathnam Reddy told TNIE. Among the reinstated services were Nityapahara: daily food offerings to the deity, Akhanda-dipala-chamuru: Continuous ghee supply for temple lamps, Nivalipalyalu-nityasatram: Daily food distribution through the almshouse, Sivaratri-mahotsavam: Celebration of the Sivaratri festival, Bhurisatram: Free accommodation for pilgrims. Reddy said that the inscription's significance in showing foreign occupation's socio-religious impact and native resilience. The phrase 'Svarajya punaruddharan' highlights Recharla Lingama Nayaka's role in restoring self-rule and temple autonomy.
