Students Unearth Ancient Relics Near Chittedu During Field Study
Guided by history lecturer Dr. Govindu Surendra, the students examined the surroundings where they had already traced an inscription dating back to 1678 CE last year.
NELLORE: A routine field study turned into a fascinating discovery for the final-year history students of S.K.R. Degree College, Gudur, when they stumbled upon ancient relics around Chittedu village in the S.P.S.R. Nellore district.
Guided by history lecturer Dr. Govindu Surendra, the students examined the surroundings where they had already traced an inscription dating back to 1678 CE last year.
Their exploration this week revealed fragments of earthen pots of various shapes, stone tools once used by humans, and other remnants scattered across the fields.
Locals revealed that the use of heavy machinery for ploughing had brought many of these objects to the surface.
Dr. Surendra noted that the site holds significant promise: “If explored systematically through archaeological methods, this area could yield a wealth of historical treasures.”
Among the findings is a Vinayaka idol, an ancient well, a water tank (koneru), and remnants near the Chittetamma temple lands.
The discoveries suggest that several centuries ago, Chittedu may have been under the rule of local zamindars. Experts believe further research by the Archaeology Department could help reconstruct the forgotten chapters of the region’s past.
The study has been conducted under the leadership of Dr. Surendra, with support from college assistant K. Janardhan, villager Sriram Suresh, and history students Dasari Shyam, Chenchu Ramayya and Srinivasulu, among others.
With regard to the inscription of 1678 CE unearthed near the Chittetamma Temple, Dr. Govindu Surendra said, “This inscription had been commissioned by Lakshmamma, the elder daughter of Lingama Naidu, who belonged to the lineage of the Palegars (chieftains) of Chittedu village. She had been the sister of Krishnappa Naidu, the local ruler of that time.
The inscription records the construction of the Chittetamma Temple and the adjoining temple pond (koneru), while emphasising the duty of the villagers to preserve these sacred structures. It says those who protect and develop the temple will be blessed.
The inscription consists of 16 lines, written in ancient Telugu script, with elements in Sanskrit. It bears symbols of the conch (Shankha), discus (Chakra), sun and moon.