Rare Historical Sculptures Identified in Nagarkurnool Village

Hyderabad: The Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam on Tuesday said its members had identified three rare historical sculptures at a Shiva temple in Charagonda of Nagarkurnool. The findings were documented by researchers Yadeshwar Dandetikar and Kiran Goud.

One of the sculptures, identified as a Rajapanditagallu, depicts a royal poet-scholar seated in a half-lotus posture. The figure holds a sword and a book, symbolising both power and knowledge. Ornaments, including a jewelled headband and sacred thread, indicate royal status, the brundam said. Experts said the sculpture reflected the Rashtrakuta dynasty style and was distinct from similar sculptures previously found in the district.

Another sculpture represented Bhairava in a fierce tantric form, it said. The four-armed deity stood in a tribhanga posture, holding a drum, trident, sword and a bowl. The figure was adorned with serpent ornaments and a garland of skulls, with two betalas (ghouls) depicted alongside. The brundam attributed this sculpture to the Kakatiya dynasty period.

A third find was a stone panel of the Saptamatrikas (seven mother Goddesses). The panel featured Yami instead of the traditionally included Varahi, suggesting it belonged to a later period, likely the 14th or 15th centuries, the researchers said. The iconographic study was prepared by Sriramoju Haragopal, convener of the heritage group.