An archaeological survey has discovered 25 rare inscriptions in the Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh

An expert team takes impressions of inscriptions found in Palutla village, Yerragondapalem mandal, Markapuram district. | Photo credit: HANDOUT

An expert team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) deciphered some of the rare inscriptions found in the Nallamala forest area during a three-day visit this month. The ASI team acquired the stamps of 25 inscriptions from the 2nd to the 15th century between June 11 and 13, 2026 and is now in the process of digitizing these inscriptions in several languages.

ASI Director (Epigraphy), Mysuru, K. Muniratnam Reddy, in an interview with The Hindu said, “During an adventurous epigraphic survey, we copied 25 inscriptions across Ponnalabailu, Puttabadi, Palutla and other villages in Markapuram district. language, dated to 1404 AD

“This inscription records that Manmahamandalesvara Anumayadeva donated several wet and dry lands in the villages of Golankapuram and Palutla to Kumar Siddasankaradeva Ayyangar, the Pope of Palanka, for conducting religious services and providing food offerings to Lord Palankesvaradeva for the merits of his father, his children, Ramaraju and his siblings.”

“Besides, it records the renovation of the Bhairava temple at Chintakunta and the donation of four putti wetlands and mango gardens for the provision of services,” the ASI head of epigraphy said. He also revealed that another Nandi pillar inscription, written in Telugu language and characters and dated to 1436, was found near the Poleramma temple in Palutla village.

It records the gift of two villages – Puttabadi and Palutla – of 800 varhas each, situated in Yeruvabhumi in the Udayagiri-rajya, together with all its burdens such as dry land tax, forest produce and sales and purchase tax, to Bhikshavrtti-Ayjunvatayangar, in the presence of Lord Srikarparparvatadeyangar. the purpose of obtaining merit, prosperity and welfare of the kingdom.

Mr. Muniratnam Reddy said, “It is very interesting to note that the village of Palutla played an important role during the Vijayanagara period as a major trading center and also provided shelter to Shaiva devotees traveling to Srisailam. It was one of the four main routes to the famous Saivite temple.”

Once all the inscriptions are deciphered, the digital versions will be preserved in the museum. Epigraphic Branch of ASI provided training on inscription scanning technique to Dr. during epigraphic survey. PV Chalapathi Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 21:14 IST