Telangana’s Tallest Jain Statue Under Threat From Quarrying

WARANGAL: A 1,100-year-old monolithic granite sculpture of Lord Vardhaman Mahavir, believed to be the tallest Jain idol in Telangana, is under threat due to rampant quarrying activity near Nangunuru village, according to noted archaeologist Dr E. Sivanagi Reddy.

Dr Sivanagi Reddy raised the alarm on Wednesday after inspecting the site, following information provided by Sriramoju Haragopal, convener of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam. He found that quarrying was taking place dangerously close to the historic sculpture, putting the ancient relic at risk of irreparable damage.

The idol, measuring 9 feet in height and 3.5 feet in width, is carved in the traditional Kayotsarga posture and belongs to the Digambara sect of Jainism. It is believed to date back to the 9th century CE during the Rashtrakuta period. The sculpture features an ushnisha — a cranial protuberance — rarely seen in Tirthankara iconography. Over the years, the idol has sunk up to its knees due to environmental degradation and neglect.

Dr Sivanagi Reddy also discovered two additional Jain relics nearby: a smaller sculpture of Mahavira hidden among bushes and another idol currently housed in a local Anjaneya temple. These findings reinforce Nangunuru’s historical significance as a Jain centre during the Rashtrakuta era.

Archaeological evidence of a former Jain monastery, including pottery fragments and brick remnants, further underlines the cultural value of the site.

Calling for immediate intervention, Dr Sivanagi Reddy urged the local community and authorities to recognise and protect the region’s rich heritage from the encroaching quarry operations.

The awareness programme was joined by heritage activists Ahobilam Karunakar, Pawan, and B. Sudhakar Singh, who joined Dr Sivanagi Reddy in appealing for urgent conservation measures to preserve the site for future generations.