Rare Chalukya War Sculpture Found In Karimnagar
According to estimates, the sculpture carved on black stone dates back to the Chalukya period: Reports
KARIMNAGAR: A ‘hero stone’ (Veeragallu) depicting a battle scene was discovered by history researcher R. Rathnakar Reddy during a cleaning drive at a milk centre near the old Karanala Gadi in Mannampalli of Karimnagar’s Thimmapur mandal on Saturday.
According to estimates, the sculpture carved on black stone dates back to the Chalukya period. Measuring about 1.5- feet in height, the lower portion shows a sword‑wielding soldier riding a horse that tramples an enemy soldier.
Another soldier is depicted riding an elephant, illustrating the intensity of the ancient battlefield. In the upper part of the carving, a seated figure symbolises the hero who died in battle and has reached heaven.
Rathnakar Reddy explained that hero stones were erected times to honour the bravery of warriors who sacrificed their lives for their kingdom or village. The discovery was made under the supervision of milk centre owner Pothuganti Sampath, while workers were clearing bushes in the area.
The researcher has advised villagers to preserve this valuable piece of history by installing it within a local temple, as it had likely been a site of worship for many generations before being covered by overgrowth.