It was through this digital network that a rock inscription recently discovered in an agricultural field in Dommata village under Siddipet district was found, dating back to the 14th century AD
In Telangana, a group of amateur history enthusiasts are making an invaluable contribution to heritage and history through their friends, and rural communities across a digital network, a report in the Indian Express says.
It was through this digital network that a rock inscription recently discovered in an agricultural field in Dommata village under Siddipet district was found, dating back to the 14th century AD.
Besides history enthusiasts, the group comprises teachers, students and professionals from various fields who collaborate with rural communities mostly through the online mode to document and scientifically preserve local histories.
Other discoveries made by this 10-year-old group of 60 members include, three types of Iron Age tombs in Jupada village in Khammam district, a rock art painting of 6 feet by 10 feet, believed to be at least 1,500 years old, in Sitarigattu Maisamma hillocks of Pothireddypally under Rajanna Sircilla district, a 40-feet-long fossil near Bhupatipur village in Mulugu district, which is believed to be the biggest available fossil of a tree, and Jain Chaumukhs (pillars with sculptures of four Jain Tirthankaras on each side) belonging to the 10th century in Koheda in Siddipet district
Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, which is the name of the group (loosely translated it mean New Telangana History Team) has grown into a network spread across the length and breadth of Telangana.
The group’s volunteers have been documenting fossils, burial sites, hero stones, rock arts, inscriptions, rock paintings, instruments, tools, coins, idols, and sculptures, which have been discovered by chance or have faced neglect and been left to decay.
But Sriramoju Haragopal, a retired headmaster and the group’s convenor, is not prepared to take unnecessary credit for the group’s work.
“Everything is already there. Some are identified or recognised, some are not. We are just wiping away the dust on them to document them scientifically so that they are available for future generations,” said Haragopal. He has also teamed up with like-minded people to pen six soon-to-be-published voluminous editions on Telangana’s history.
Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, which is the name of the group (loosely translated it mean New Telangana History Team) has grown into a network spread across the length and breadth of Telangana.
The members between the ages of 20 and 80, stay in touch via WhatsApp and Facebook and share information of any possible historical finds from across the state.
“My interest in history started in the 1980s when I wondered how my village got its name. Similarly, when people want to learn about their neighbourhood and its history and reach out to us, we do the research, conduct a scientific study, consult retired officials and researchers, if required, to document the same,” said Haragopal, a 67-year-old retired headmaster.
Through their explorations, the group has been able to recognize over 50 rock art paintings, hundreds of graves and over two dozen hero stones (which are idols of local village heroes), among others, and documented them for the first time
“The region has geological significance too. Unfortunately, we have neglected our history. Its preservation requires people’s involvement,” said Katta Srinivas, another core member of the team, based in Khammam district.
“But many of these sites are under threat and we request the government to protect them. For instance, rock arts, inscriptions and paintings have been found even on the outskirts of Hyderabad near Kokapet and Himayatsagar. These are treasures that need to be preserved,” added Vemuganti Muralikrishna Chary, a Telugu teacher from Siddipet.
Chary is also a founding member of the team and is co-editing books along with Haragopal.
Apart from all this, the group has authored over a thousand articles and published research papers based on its explorations. The aim is to open a library, start a history magazine and make available research works in the form of books.
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