Director (epigraphy), probably, team K. Muniithnam Reddy, who follows the inscription in the Gundaram Forest area near Peddapalli.
In a significant breakthrough for the study of the ancient Thelangana history, especially as regards the period of Satavahan, the epigraphic branch of the archaeological survey of India (probably) documented eleven inscriptions during an extensive epigraphic survey in the PedDapall district. The team with the help of local forest department staff, responded to 28 and 29 April, according to the director (epigraphy), probably, K. Muniithnam Reddy.
The inscriptions that span the period from the 1st century to the 6th century CE provide critical knowledge of the early cultural and political landscape of Deccan with a special reference to the period of Satavahan. These inscriptions were engraved on a prominent rock surface locally known as sitammalodi near Gattusingaram and were discovered as part of the ongoing survey.
“Two inscriptions from Gundaram Rock Shelter excel in their historical value. One inscription, written in the early Brahmi script, records that the person of Hāritiputra – perhaps from the Huṭu dynasty – told Buddhist monks and describes as a friend of Kumāra Hakusiri,” Panddy said.
“This inscription indicates the political or social connection between Satavahans and Chuṭus, two influential dynasties of the early Deccana,” he added. Another inscription begins with a three -storage and Damar – favorable religious symbols – and states that the country east of the hill belonged to Siri Devarāně.
Director (Epigraphy), probably, K. Muniithnam Reddy in Gundaram Forest near the city of Peddapalli
This is the first known occurrence of such a religious iconography accompanying early inscriptions in South India, indicating an early connection of political authority with symbolic religious elements.
Other inscriptions from Satavahana-admissions copied on the spot refer to other royal figures, including Kumāra Sakasiri and Akusiri, which further strengthens the importance of the region during the early historical period. These findings also support earlier epigraphic evidence discovered in the Mukutraopet village of Mandal near Kotilingal in the former combined district of Karimnagar, showing that Telangana was part of Asmak, one of the sixteen Mahājanads mentioned in ancient Indian texts and known in the 6th century.
Dr. Reddy noted that Gundaram’s inscriptions “strengthen the historical identification of telangans as the main area of Asmaka and provide tangible connections with Satavahana and related dynasties that formed the early decor policy”. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Forest Department of Telangana and the Government of Telangana and said that without their help in navigation in a protected forest area, this discovery would not be possible.
Mr. Reddy further noted that the area near the point of inscription is probably located for Buddhist monks an important burial ground.
Published – 1 May 2025 18:50 is
