14th-Century Memorial Pillars, Sati Stones Discovered Near Keesaragutta
The sculpture depicts a warrior standing with a sword and shield with two women behind him: Reports
HYDERABAD: Two pairs of memorial pillars, including Nandi stones and sati stones dating to the 14th-15th centuries, were identified near Shahikaman at Keesaragutta in Medchal Malkajgiri district. According to Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam president Sriramoju Haragopal, 'Veeragallu' (hero stone) found near one pair of pillars was later identified as a sati stone.
The sculpture depicts a warrior standing with a sword and shield with two women behind him. One of the women is seen holding a kamandalu (water pot) in her hand, indicating that the women were his wives who followed him in self-sacrifice after his death in battle.
Based on the warrior’s topknot (siga), the hero’s attire (veerakase), and the dress of the women behind him, the researchers said the sculpture could be dated to the 14th-15th centuries.
Among the pair of pillars, one form resembles a temple vimana (tower) carved at the top, while the second had a Nandi carved at the top. Both stood on a rectangular platform built with stone slabs. This must have been the burial place of the warrior and his wives, Haragopal said. Since they were Shaivites, a Nandi stone was erected over their burial site, he added.
On the upper parts of the second pair of pillars, Nandis are carved. In the middle of one pillar, half-sculptures of a warrior and his sati were carved. This is also another sati stone. Here too, the Shaivite husband and wife were buried, and Nandi pillars were erected as their memorial. Between these two pillars, a Banalinga has been installed. Among Shaivites, the honour of Nandi stones is accorded to those who were teachers (acharyas) or rulers (prabhus). Historians said similar Nandi stones exist at Tripurantakam.