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Stone images of Kakatiya period discovered
Kakatiya period stone images dating back to the 13th century were discovered recently on the foreshores of a tank at P Dontamuru village. Historian and researcher Dr Narayana Rao and others inspected closely some of the images that were found near the Sangalamma temple in the village.
Pithapuram: Kakatiya period stone images dating back to the 13th century were discovered recently on the foreshores of a tank at P Dontamuru village. Historian and researcher Dr Narayana Rao and others inspected closely some of the images that were found near the Sangalamma temple in the village.
The images include what is believed to the Goddess’ feet sculpted in stone and a two-foot-long idol of the Goddess, all reflecting the Kakatiyan style of sculpture. According to Dr Narayana Rao, Yelamanchili Chalukyan rulers had ruled the coastal region extending from Kakinada to Visakhapatnam with Panchadarla as their capital.
Similarly, some of the other images found could date back to the period of King Mallapadeva, whose reign extended to Raparti village here. Stone images were discovered also at Pottimetta on the outskirts of Routulapudi. This region was once ruled by the Koppula rulers with Pithapuram as their capital. The images discovered at Dontamuru are similar to those discovered at Pottimetta. Dr Narayana Rao says that the catchment area of Yela River (Yeleru) is a rich repository of historical evidences.
In history, Pithapuram region has been referred to as ‘Guddanati Vishayam’ and ‘Prolanati Vishayam’. The region was ruled by kings of various dynasties like Koppula, Eastern Chalukyans, Yelamanchili Chlukyas and Reddy rulers. No wonder, historical evidences are surfacing every now and then during digs in the villages of Kumarapuram, Jalluru, Virava, Viravada, Navakhandravada, Bhogapuram, B Prattipadu, Raparti, Patidibba, Timmapuram, Nemam, Chebrolu, AK Mallavaram and other villages.
According to Sangalamma temple priest Kottapalli Rama Rao, in 1926 and 1939 cholera claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the village. When the villagers worshipped Sangalamma, the disease disappeared. Since then the stone feet of the Goddess and the image of the Goddess are being worshipped. Researchers Inkoti Rama Rao, Kottapalli Rama Rao and P Srinivas accompanied Dr Narayana Rao.
By Saride Nageswara Rao
