16th century sculptures cry for attention
Vijayawada: Two sculptures carved out of red sand stone are lying uncared on the outskirts of Veerlapalem village in Duggirala mandal of Guntur district.
The two historically significant sculptures were examined by Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, CEO, Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravathi on Monday.
Reddy, based on the information provided by Kantham Sankarareddy of the same village visited and examined the sculptures. One sculpture represents a hero engaged in attacking a wild animal and another man depicted as if he is fighting his enemy.
Since they lost their lives, and attained heaven, their images were replicated on stone which can be described as hero worship to commemorate their sacrifice for the cause of the village.
The name of the village Veerulapalem means a hamlet of the heroes which at present called as Veerlapalem.
Dr Reddy made an appeal to the villagers and also state department of archaeology and museums to protect the sculptures for posterity.
He said that Bonthu Srinukesava Reddy, Manoj Kumar and Kantham Sankara Reddy participated in the programme.