1000-yr-old Chalukyan sculptures in utter neglect

​Vijayawada: A good number of sculptures datable to 1000 AD representing the Vengi Chalukyan era pathetically neglected are crying for protection in West Godavari district, said Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, Historian and CEO, Cultural Centre Of Vijayawada and Amaravati on Wednesday.

He said they have sported an open area in front of the old Siva temple at Tadikelapudu village, Kamavarapukota Mandal in West Godavari district as part of his exploration under ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’ a scheme launched by CCVA. 

He said that the sculptures include Mahishasuramardhuni, Chamundi, Umamaheswara, Sivadwarapalas, Mailarabhatas, poturaju and Nagadevatas  of which he has requested the villagers to erect them in pedastals and safeguard them for posterity. These sculptures bear typical Eastern Chalukyan iconographical features which are very much useful for the research scholars and art historians.

He said that the Mahishamardhini idol is engaged in killing the demon whereas the lion is also portrayed ferocious to attack Mahishasura. The life size Chamundi is seated in Sukhasana with her vehicle jackal carved on the pedestal. The Mailarabhatas, devotees of Siva are seen contemplating meditation while playing musical instruments and dancing as part of their rituals. There is also a dilapidated Siva temple also datable to the Vengi Chalukyan times in which the sculptures of Umamaheswara, Saiva devotees and one more Chamundi sculpture and Nagadevatas.

Based on the archaeological and historical importance of these idols, Dr Reddy appealed the officials of state Department of Archaeology and Museums either to protect them there itself as the tourists frequent the place enrooted to the 3rd century BC Rock cut caves at Guntupalli in the same mandal or shift them to the newly coming up District Archaeological Museum in Eluru city on priority basis for proper display with labels and security.