Prehistoric Rock Art Site Found in Medchal-Malkajgiri District
Ancient cave paintings in Yadgarpally show battles, animals, and dances from prehistory
Warangal: Members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam (KTCB), A. Karunakar and Md. Naseeruddin, discovered a new prehistoric rock art site in Yadgarpally village of Keesara mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, on Saturday.
The rock paintings were found inside a cave formed by large granite boulders on the outskirts of the village. The art, painted in vibrant red and white, depicts a variety of scenes, including a large battle with warriors carrying bows, arrows, and swords, as well as animals such as elephants, tigers, and horses.
The style primarily features stick figures showing people holding hands, engaging in group dances with weapons, an ox-like animal, handprints, a person riding a horse-like figure, and a turtle-like aquatic creature. One striking painting shows a white warrior on a horse, surrounded by red figures.
Some of the white figures have faded, while several red paintings were drawn over them, making the earlier white figures less distinct. In the white paintings, animals, hunted creatures, and four individuals carrying a hunted animal are visible.
According to Karunakar and Naseeruddin, the site was likely used by prehistoric humans. The presence of polished stone tools and the style of the paintings suggest the cave served as a rock shelter from the Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) through the historical era.
Similar rock art sites have previously been discovered in Kashipet, Pyararam, Lingannapet, and Muchintala. The most famous among them is Pandavulagutta in Warangal district, known for its distinctive rock paintings, they noted.
