Hyderabad: Distribution of artefacts between both the states post bifurcation is still under process and not finalised. Officials at the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh, claimed that more than 17,000 gold coins, 19,000 silver coins and many more brass and bronze coins were still in the strong rooms of the Telangana government department and hadn’t been exchanged with the AP department.
Whereas officials at the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Telangana claimed that rare artefacts like many Buddhist sculptures at Amaravati and rare artefacts from prime Buddhist centres like Nalgonda and Karimnagar, which were earlier shifted to different museums in Andhra Pradesh, were yet be brought back.
An official at the AP Department of Archaeology and Museums, said, “The gold and silver coins belong to the Krishnadevaraya period and the Chalukyas that can be dated back to the 13th Century. These coins are not exhibited to the public. We were informed that committees were being formed to decide and make a database on this soon.”
An official from the Telangana department said that they too had to get back many artifacts that were taken from Telangana. “Many statues of Buddha were sent for an event at Amaravati seven years ago. But they have sent back only one statue. The remaining sculptures are yet to be returned.”
Krishnadevaraya’s era to be celebrated at penukonda
Hyderabad: The 504th coronation celebrations of Sri Krishnadevaraya will be held on August 27 and August 28 at Penukonda to promote history during the emperor’s time. “Penukonda was the second capital of the Vijayanagara empire. The Gagan Mahal at the Penukonda hillock and other monuments around it are under the ASI. As part of this celebration, we are having a photo exhibition of the rulers and their contributions, during the Vijayanagara era. Inscriptions will also be displayed,” said G.V. Ramakrishna Rao, director in-charge AP department of archaeology.
Andhra Pradesh to set up art gallery
Hyderabad: A Multi-Purpose Cultural Complex will be set up either at Guntur or Vijayawada by the AP archaeology department. A proposal has been sent for the same, though the location will most likely be finalised after the new capital is decided.
Of the Rs 13 crore of total pending works across Andhra Pradesh that was granted by the 13th Finance Commission, Rs 3 crore has been assigned for this. “Similar to that of the State Art Gallery located in Hyderabad, this place will also exhibit the best of history of the Andhra region. The place will have a library containing literature pertaining to the rulers of Andhra Pradesh, history, culture and much more. Along with this, there will also be many artifacts that have been discovered during several excavations,” informed Mr Uma Maheshwar Rao, executive engineer, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The MPCC will be a first-of-its-kind in the state and officials said it will be aimed at portraying the rich history of the region. “History and architecture has caught the fancy of many student researchers. This will enable them to learn more,” he added.
Monuments get priority
Hyderabad: AP’s first Budget sanctioned Rs 32.8 crore for its archaeology and museums department for protection and restoration of various monuments listed under the department and Rs 32.5 crore for conservation of 277 protected ancient sites scheme. It also sanctioned Rs 31.9 lakh to implement the museum schemes.
