Pleach Desk

Greetings, history, and culture enthusiasts!?

In between our daily tasks of documentation and dissemination of knowledge on our tangible heritage, we are back this month to bring you a few glimpses of our workings and the world of heritage outside our platform

Let us begin our exploration!

Telangana Unearths a Gem:

Pandavula Gutta Becomes State's First Geo-Heritage Site!

We begin our story with exciting news from Telangana! In March, Pandavula Gutta, a geological marvel, was officially recognized as the state's first Geo-Heritage site.

This isn't just a local story, Geo-heritage represents an important part of natural and cultural heritage and provides society with a broad range of services that are fundamental for its socio-economic development

Pandavula Gutta's incredible location isn't just beautiful - discovered in 1990, it’s an open-air museum, whispering tales of our planet's history through several rock shelters, prehistoric rock arts and its habitation, right from the mesolithic (1000-8000 BCE) to the late medieval period (17th-18th C CE), showcasing the variety of animals that once roamed the region. Notably, a painting of a giraffe hints at a different ecological past for the area.?

Geo-heritage sites have the potential to become cultural hotspots and the renewed interest presents a golden opportunity for heritage tourism. By strategically developing these sites, we can transform them into must-see destinations for travelers seeking unique experiences.

Get ready to explore the Earth's captivating story in a whole new way!?

Pleach Talks: March Wrap Up

Pleach talk 49?

Virtual Pleach Talk brought history to life this March!?

Dr. Kaushik Gangopadhyay mesmerized us with insights into the world of Terracotta Temples of West Bengal.?Relive the magic and watch the talks on our Facebook page!

Speaker: Dr. Kaushik Gangopadhyay

Topic: Terracotta Temples of West Bengal

March 29th, 2024

Watch here

Preserve Heritage For Posterity: A Awareness Story?

Our flagship program continues to make waves by exploring sites at each step, from prehistoric rock paintings to 3rd century inscriptions discovered near Hyderabad!

1. 8500 yrs old rock art at Yadaram village

Hyderabad's history stretches far beyond its bustling present. Our program recently unearthed a treasure trove near Yadaram village: a series of rock art paintings dating back a staggering 8500 years!?

These vivid depictions offer a window into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors through artistic expressions spanning a vast period from the Mesolithic era (8500 BCE) to the Early Historic period (2nd century CE).? These paintings are a tangible link to our distant past. Preserving them is crucial for safeguarding our heritage, read more?

2. Neolithic rock bruisings of?Bull and human figure

Period: 4000 yrs ago

Location: Moosapet, Mahaboobnagar district, TS

3. Brahmi inscription?

Period: 3rd century?

Location: Puritigadda, Krishna district, AP

The inscription suggests that Puritigadda was a Buddhist site during the Ikshvaku period. The sculpture itself depicts Pothuraju, a mother with two children, and was carved much later in the 18th century, read more

Our digital journey

From the architectural beauty of? the Hoysalas to the natural heritage of North east India, our digital space is brimming with eco-cultural delights

Social media?

Instagram?

Hoysala, as we enter the world of the 'Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas' (12th to 13th Cen. CE), a wonderland filled with intricately artistic sculptures beyond belief, and have been recognized as India's newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.?

Check out the reel to be transported to Karnataka, where all the beauty comes alive!

Twitter?

KnowYourNorthEast

Are you aware of our segment,?

Dedicated to lesser-known features of Northeast India

Ever seen bridges made of living roots??

Check out this video to explore the fascinating Living Root Bridges that have grown among the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya!

Stories From Our Collection

Many facets of stone tools

Neolithic axes, which were fitted into a wooden handle and used for a variety of tasks such as chopping and chiseling, were an important part of the toolkit

Discovery & Importance:?

• These Neolithic axes found in Hyderabad, made from basalt stone, date back to the period between 4000-2000 BCE, according to eminent archaeologist? Dr. E Sivanagireddy
• The polished axes found suggest a seasonal settlement near the Durgam Cheruvu and Malkam Cheruvu lakes

Neolithic culture:?

• Belonging to the period?7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C., Neolithic axes were widely used during this period in India
• Neolithic people practiced agriculture, animal domestication, and lived in temporary settlements near water sources

Spotlight : The Unsung structures

Unveiling A Hidden Gem: Gandhari Fort

Where Ancient Ruins and Medicinal Treasures Await

Nestled amidst the thick forests of Mandamarri Mandal in Adilabad district Telangana, lies the majestic Gandhari Kota (also known as Gandhari Khilla), located around? 270 kms north east of the state capital Hyderabad

This lesser-known historical site boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, tribal heritage, and architectural marvel, revealing the skill sets of the erstwhile? architects along with the construction styles of prevailing times

Intriguing history of the fort:

We don’t have any concrete evidence of any single dynasty’s association with the fort. While its construction is supposed to have begun during the Rashtrakuta era, (9th Cen CE), it’s believed to have been built by the Gond kings in the 12-13th centuries, which served as their capital, under the Kakatiyas of Warangal

The fort houses several rock-cut caves and structural temples inside and on the periphery,

• Carved Entryways: The main entrance is directly carved out of the hill, showcasing exceptional? skills which are still very strong and secure.
• Deities : Shrines dedicated to deity revered by tribals, Gandhari Maisamma (Aradhya Daivam) along with Kaala Bhairava, Shiva and Anajaneya grace the fort
• Rock-cut Caves: Three caves used for ritual purposes. There were separate routes for the elephants and horses to reach the fort and still remain intact, with natural sunlight filtering in.
• Hidden Water Management: A two-acre lake and perennial wells demonstrate advanced water harvesting techniques
• Adiseshudu Temple: A captivating rock-cut temple houses a rock cut idol of the serpent god Adisesha.Apart from architecture,?
• The fort is home to rare medicinal plants

Intriguing Legends: The fort's name holds several theories:

• Linked to the Mahabharat's Gandhari, mother of the Kauravas.
• Named after the local deity Gandhari Maisamma (grants boons and protects the locals) worshiped by tribals.
• Derived from the belief that celestial beings called Gandharvas bathed in the fort's lake.

Preserving the legacy

As on date the Fort hosts two jataras (processions) : Mahankali Jatara annually and Gandhari Maisamma Jatara every other year, attracting devotees from far and wide

The Telangana tourism department is actively involved in reviving and preserving this fort, ensuring its rich heritage is passed on to future generations

If proper roads and arrangements are made there is no doubt the Gandhari Fort will become an attractive tourist destination, it's a hidden gem worth exploring by history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an adventure!!

Have you visited this place or heard more about it??

?We'd love to hear from you!!?

Also, do let us know if you come across any interesting ‘unsung’ heritage structures from your areas.?

We will acknowledge your contribution and bring the structure to focus..!

Recommended Books:?

1. Telangana Land and people, from stone age to 1323 CE : Vol I ?by A.K. Goel, D.Satyanarayana, Rekha Pande, R.Madhuri
2. Evolution of Building Technology: Early and Medieval Period, 1999 by E. SivaNagi Reddy?
3. Gandhari Kota Hyderabad, 2018 by D.Satyanarayana

Upcoming events?

Pleach talk 49 (online)

Join us on Friday : April 26th, 2024

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