Latest news with #PleachIndiaFoundation
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Nine rock-cut caves for Jain ascetics in Telangana's Anantagiri damaged; six remaining crying for attention
A group of 15 rock-cut Jain caves in Anantagiri — a hill station in Vikarabad district — dating back to the 9th century CE, are in dire need of protection. Archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, E. Sivanagireddy, who visited the caves on Saturday, said that the caves were carved for Jain ascetics to spend the rainy season and observe Sallekhana vrata (fasting unto death). The 15 caves, which are square and rectangular, vary in size between 2.0 to 6.0 meters in length, 2.0 to 3.0 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in depth, with openings to the east. Out of the 15 rock-cut caves, six are intact, while the rest were damaged during the widening of the pathway leading to the origin point of the River Musi. The rock-cut beds on the floor and niches in the walls to keep lamps, along with a mutilated Jain statue seated in artha paryankasana, reflect Jain origins. Mr. Sivanagireddy urged the authorities of the Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple and Vikarabad Municipality to remove the whitewash coated on the walls of the caves and make them presentable to visitors. He also requested that pathways, a fence, and signages with historical and religious significance of the caves be provided to save them for posterity and benefit future generations. The temple committee chairman Padmanabham assured that he would extend necessary support in this regard.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
16th-century miniature sculpture unearthed in Palnadu
Vijayawada: A rare and exquisite 16th-century miniature sculpture of Virabhadra, believed to be from the Vijayanagara period , was unearthed near an old Shiva temple at Bhairavunipadu village in Macherla mandal, Palnadu district. According to noted archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, Dr E Sivanagireddy, the idol was discovered half-buried among bushes near the ancient temple, based on information provided by local resident Munnangi Jagannadham. Dr Reddy, who inspected the sculpture, described it as a remarkable example of Vijayanagara art and iconography. The idol measures 6 inches in length, 12 inches in height, and 2 inches in thickness. It depicts Virabhadra — a fierce form of Lord Shiva — holding an arrow and a sword in his right hands and a bow and shield in his left. The deity is shown standing in the graceful tribhanga pose on a pedestal, a characteristic style of the era. He commended Jagannadham for his efforts in safeguarding the historically valuable idol and placing it in the old Shiva temple for protection. Dr Reddy also urged the villagers to preserve the sculpture for future generations as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage. DR Shyamsunder Rao, design in-charge of the Buddhavanam Project, also participated in the program.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
16th century miniature sculpture unearthed
Vijayawada: A beautiful miniature sculpture of Virabhadra meant for domestic worship datable to 16th century was found half buried in the bushes close to old Shiva temple at Bhairavunipadu village of Macherla mandal in Palnadu district, said Dr E Sivanagireddy, Archaeologist and CEO, Pleach India Foundation. Based on the information given by local resident Munnangi Jagannadham, Sivanagireddy on Tuesday inspected the idol measuring 6 inches in length, 12 inches in height and 2 inches in thickness. He said Virabhadra holds an arrow and sword in the right hands and bow and shield in the left hands and standing in Tribhanga on a pedestal represents typical Vijayanagara iconography and art style. Dr Reddy appreciated Jagannadham for rescuing the historically important sculpture and safeguarding it in the local old Shiva temple and appealed to the villagers to preserve it for posterity. DR ShyamsunderRao, Design in charge,Buddhavanam project participated in the programme.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Paintings of bulls, stags, dogs and other Neolithic rock art found in Telangana's Nalgonda
A prehistoric rock art site dating back to the Neolithic period (6000-4000 BCE) has been found on the outskirts of Ramalingalagudem village of Tipparthi mandal in Nalgonda district on Sunday (May 4, 2025), said E. Sivanagireddy, Archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation. The paintings are of bulls, stags, dogs, human figures, and a dramatic scene of a man fighting a tiger. The rock art, created using stone implements through hitting technique, provides valuable insights into the lifestyle of prehistoric humans, showcasing their hunting activities and interactions with nature, said Mr. Reddy, who also identified rock shelters that may have served as temporary camp sites for Neolithic people, with grooves formed from sharpening stone axes. Mr. Reddy underscored the need to protect these rock art, which holds significant archaeological value. Archaeology enthusiast Silpi Venkatesh accompanied him.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Heritage in Peril: Ramagiri's ancient temple crumbles in neglect
Tirupati: A 1000-year-old Kalabhairava temple and a 500-year-old Gopura located in Ramagiri village of Pichatur mandal in Tirupati district, have been found in a state of alarming neglect, according to noted archaeologist Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, CEO of Pleach India Foundation. Acting on information provided by locals, Dr Sivanagi Reddy conducted a field visit to Valiswara and Kalabhairava temples, along with the associated ruined mandapas and Gopura structures. The temples were originally constructed during the Pallava period and later expanded under the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. The archaeologist expressed serious concern over the extent of deterioration and emphasised the urgent need for preservation efforts. 'The ruins are in a highly dilapidated condition and demand immediate conservation, these structures represent the artistic evolution of South Indian temple architecture across three major dynasties,' said Sivanagi Reddy. The Kalabhairava temple consists of a garbhagriha (sanctum), ardha mandapa (antechamber), and an open mahamandapa (grand hall), constructed primarily in stone. It also features a brick sikhara (superstructure) adorned with stucco figurines, though many of these have now suffered extensive weathering and damage. The adjacent Gopura, which once served as an intricately carved gateway to the temple complex, has collapsed nearly to its basement level. Despite the structural failure, remnants of high-quality stone sculpture reflecting Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara styles are still visible. In light of the deteriorating condition of these historic structures, he conducted an awareness programme in the village, during which he sensitised the local community to the cultural and historical value of the monuments. He urged villagers to take collective responsibility for preserving the site and appealed for voluntary efforts to restore the structures to their former glory. Supporting the initiative were Ch Sivakumar, Hariprasad Reddy, and Srikanth from the SV Museum, Tirumala, along with amateur archaeologist P Srinath Reddy, who participated in the awareness programme. The Pleach India Foundation has called for coordinated action involving local stakeholders, heritage bodies, and government authorities to undertake immediate conservation work.
