19-06-2025
Buried history in Telangana: Chalukya-Era copper plates found in graveyard; ASI rushes to preserve
HYDERABAD: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took up scientific preservation of nine copper plate inscriptions recently discovered in a Muslim graveyard at Kodad village in Suryapet district.
The rare hoard, confirmed to belong to the Vengi branch of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty, is currently undergoing chemical treatment at the Science Branch, Hyderabad.
The copper plates are now in the custody of the department of heritage. Each plate bears the official seal of the Eastern Chalukyas. The seal carries the figure of a boar, along with the legend 'Svasti Tribhuvanamkusa', identifying the sovereign insignia of the dynasty.
ASI director (Epigraphy) K Muniratnam Reddy confirmed the commencement of the conservation work. "The process is underway. These are valuable primary sources that shed light on the Vengi Chalukya administration," he added.
Officials from the Science Branch are carrying out the chemical treatment of the plates to stabilise and preserve the inscriptions. The department of heritage is assisting in the process.
The find comes close on the heels of another major discovery by ASI at the Srisailam temple in Andhra Pradesh, where 20 sets of copper plates with 72 inscribed leaves and a collection of gold coins were recovered from the Ghantamandapam.
