Rare sculptures on a scenic hillock

Jangaon: Two rare sculptures, believed to be of 9th century, and a large number of dolmens are the latest additions to the historically rich Jangaon district, which of late regularly featuring on headlines. Such was the abundance of archaeological fauna of the region.

Thanks to the history buff R Ratnakar Reddy, who has been extensively wandering the erstwhile Warangal district especially Jangaon, for his enthusiasm that unravelled the region’s tryst with the ancient times.

The hillock of Mekalagattu village under Raghunathpally mandal, 110 kms northeast of Hyderabad, is a deserted place. The villagers say that once there was a temple on the hillock and it was destructed some decades ago.

They said that land belonging to the temple was also encroached. Bolstering their argument, there were signs of a demolished temple on the hillock, which they call it as Mekalagutta. Although the locals used to celebrate jatara (carnival) here, the practice doesn’t exist now, according to local lore. A few paces away from the hillock, one would find the traces of Patigadda (early historic dwellings).

It’s learnt that although the hillock was a treasure trove of carvings once upon a time, presently there are only two sculptures left, while the others were either plundered or demolished.

Against this backdrop, Ratnakar Reddy, who trekked the hillock, found these sculptures besides a dolmen. While one of these idols is intact, the other one was broken into three pieces. Locals call these sculptures as deities - Mekalamma and Mekalaiah. There is a pond on the hillock as well.
Speaking to The Hans India, retired deputy director of Archaeology and Museums Department and currently its consultant SS Ranga Chary said:

“Based on the style and the stone used, the two sculptures may belong to pre-Kakatiya era. Although the idols were found adjacent to a megalithic burial, there is no reason to link them.” It may be noted here that Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas ruled the region before the advent of Kakatiya dynasty.

The locals wanted to include Mekalagutta in the upcoming Cultural Tourism Circuit encompassing Bammera, Valmidi, Pembarthy, Palakurthy, Zaffergadh and Khilashapur. Although the hillock and its surroundings look like an abandoned place, its scenic environs have become annual sojourn for migrated birds like painted storks etc.