Pleach Desk : Heritage Expressions

This month, Pleach Desk invites you to an exhibition showcasing the creative designs, a visual feast gifted to us by our ancestors!!

While rock art has captured our attention, ‘Geoglyphs’, those colossal, enigmatic designs etched into the earth or rock surfaces stand out as some of the most intriguing and mysterious art left by our ancestors.?

This leaves us with the question,

These massive geometric shapes are as mysterious as they are fascinating. Were they ancient star maps? Ritual sites? Or maybe just prehistoric doodles on a grand scale? The truth is, no one knows for sure, and that’s what makes them so intriguing.

Through their anthropomorphic and zoomorphic depictions, they reflect intricate and complex interactions between humans and their environment as well as the ancient ecosystem.

Recently, Maharashtra declared 1,500 geoglyphs in Ratnagiri as protected monuments, recognizing their cultural significance, thanks to the efforts of local citizens, researchers and archaeologists.

Heritage Headlines

Their importance has drawn attention, positioning India on the global map and even leading to a potential UNESCO World Heritage status, underscoring the need to preserve these treasures for future generations.

Visit,

But the mysteries don't stop there;?

Would India be home to the world’s largest geoglyphs??

Yes! In Rajasthan,?

Alongside the famous geoglyph site, Chile’s Atacama Giant and Peru’s Nazca lines, researchers have uncovered what might be the world's largest geoglyphs, massive geometric lines and shapes spread across 20.8 hectares. Though relatively new, at around 150 years old, they still captivate with the enduring mystery and allure of geoglyph art.

The intrigue doesn't end in Rajasthan,

• Petroglyphs have also been discovered in Karnataka’s Kollur region, where, in 2019, a large abstract pattern with Tulu script was identified.?

• More recently, in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana, Dr. Emani Sivanagi Reddy , CEO of Pleach India Foundation , along with members of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, uncovered a 3,000-year-old Iron Age geoglyph circle.

These enigmatic geoglyphs have turned India’s archaeological landscape into a treasure trove of ancient art, inviting us to explore their secrets further.

Spotlight of the month

The month of August, reminds us of the patriots and freedom fighters who brought independence to India in 1947. Our reel celebrated the multifaceted freedom struggle, blending battles and non-violent Satyagrahas. It was also a cultural renaissance, with art playing a key role. Nandalal Bose made a significant artistic contribution.

Check out his Congress session art in the reel,

We also celebrated: World Elephant Day,

Highlighting its deep connection to our heritage. In India, the elephant is more than just an animal, it symbolizes wisdom, strength, and divinity.

Watch as we explore how elephants are intricately depicted in Indian art, from temple carvings to miniature paintings, showcasing their rich cultural significance.

That’s not all..?

Telangana is home to many unsung stories, which we are uncovering in our series, #TelanganaBeyondKakatiyas. We explore the history of Telangana beyond the Kakatiya Empire, continuing to reveal the lesser-known heroes and tales of this vibrant region!

Checkout here,

Pleach Programs: Wrap Up

The online 54th Pleach Talk, we had the privilege of listening to ????. ??. ????????????, took us on an incredible journey through the temples of Kanchipuram, highlighting the stunning architecture, sculptures and mural paintings left behind by the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. It's a must-watch!

Watch out : Pleach Talks

Telangana's Unsung Heritage

Nestled in the heart of the Yadadri-Bhongir district, about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, Bhongir Fort is a monumental treasure!! Perched atop a massive granite hill, is not just a fort but a symbol of the resilience and grandeur of the many dynasties that once ruled over this land.

Picturesque Location

• Bhongir Fort, also known as Bhuvanagiri Fort, Spanning over 148 acres and rising 500 feet above the surrounding landscape.
• The fort’s unique shape is often likened to a sleeping elephant or a rounded egg- was a strategic choice, allowing the rulers to anticipate enemy movements from afar.

Historical Significance

The fort has been a strategic stronghold for nearly 900 years,

• With origins dating back to the 11th century under the Kalyani Chalukya Emperor Vikramaditya VI (Tribhuvanamalla), Its original name, Tribhuvanagiri, later evolved into Bhongir.?
• Over the centuries, the fort passed through the hands of the Kakatiyas(12-13th Cen. CE), Bahmanis, Musunuru Chiefs, Recharla Padmanayakas(14th Cen.CE), Qutb Shahis, Mughals(16-17th Cen CE) and finally the Asaf Jahi rulers (18th Cen CE) before being handed over to the Government of India in 1948.

Architectural Brilliance:

Bhongir Fort is not just a marvel of nature but also a masterpiece of medieval engineering,

• The sturdy compound walls, built on precarious rocky outcrops, showcase the architectural brilliance of the workers.?
• Intricate door jambs, arched gateways, and stucco motifs tell stories of the artistic prowess of the time, with the most prominent features belonging to the Qutb Shahi period.

• Inside the fort, remnants of artillery storehouses, soldiers’ restrooms, and enclosures for horses and elephants offer a glimpse into its storied past.?
• The fort also boasts seven lakes, known as ‘saptasarrasulu,’ and legends speak of an underground tunnel connecting Bhongir Fort to Warangal and Golconda Forts, built as a secret escape route during sieges.

• At the base of the climb, a recent statue of Sardar Sarvai Papanna, an 18th-century local chieftain who defended the fort against the Mughals, stands as a reminder of the fort’s enduring legacy.?

The Need for Preservation

Despite its grandeur, Bhongir Fort has fallen into disrepair,

However, recent initiatives by the Telangana government, including the establishment of a rock climbing school, are helping to revive this historic site.?

It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve this unsung gem, ensuring it continues to inspire future generations.

Upcoming : Pleach Talk

Join us on Friday, September 28th, 2024

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