Ancient Kakatiya-Era Nandi Sculpture Found Neglected and Broken in Telangana

An 800-year-old Nandi sculpture from the Kakatiya period is lying broken and unattended in Jakkileru village of Narayanapet district in Telangana. Archaeologist and Pleach India Foundation CEO E. Sivanagireddy inspected the site on Monday after receiving information from local heritage activists K. Bhaskar Goud and G. Mahendar Reddy.

Details and Discovery

The black basalt sculpture dates back to the 13th century and was once part of the Rangamandapa in a triple-shrine temple. It measures five feet in length, three feet in width and 3.5 feet in height, showcasing the fine anatomical detailing and ornaments typical of Kakatiya artisans. Local miscreants broke the statue into two pieces some time ago, and it has remained abandoned near roadside bushes.

Local Response

Mr. Sivanagireddy urged villagers to move the broken pieces into the temple, place them on a pedestal and set up an explanatory plaque about its history. Villagers including Jayapal Reddy and Srinivasa Reddy, alongside students, took part in a heritage awareness programme titled 'Preserve Heritage for Posterity', which was organised by the Pleach India Foundation. The residents responded positively to the appeal and promised to take steps to protect the sculpture.

Context

Telangana holds numerous historical structures and artifacts from the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled parts of southern India between the 12th and 14th centuries. Local heritage groups frequently work to document and safeguard these ancient ruins from neglect and vandalism.