Ancient stones, modern neglect - Heritage at risk

Rayalaseema region is a treasure trove of history, culture, archaeology and traditional art. From prehistoric rock paintings created by early humans thousands of years ago to Ashokan rock edicts, ancient temples, forts, sculptures and megalithic burial monuments, the region possesses an extraordinary wealth of heritage. However, the failure of government agencies, archaeological authorities and local bodies to adequately protect this invaluable historical legacy is a matter of serious concern.

Many prehistoric rock paintings and inscriptions are being damaged not only by natural deterioration but also by human negligence and acts of vandalism. Visitors have scribbled names and other writings over ancient paintings using charcoal, paint and sharp objects, and in some places, they have even scratched rock surfaces. It is unfortunate that even basic security and conservation measures are lacking at sites that preserve thousands of years of human history.

Where is the protection for Ketavaram rock paintings?

The caves in the Ketavaram area of Orvakal Mandal in Kurnool district are important repositories of prehistoric rock art. The paintings, believed to date approximately between 10,000 and 6,000 BCE, depict deer, bulls, foxes, rabbits, turtles, reptiles, other animals and human figures. They provide valuable insights into the lifestyle of early humans, their hunting practices and their relationship with nature.

Research has brought greater attention to Ketavaram’s prehistoric rock art. Yet the authorities have failed to give the site the tourism and archaeological importance it deserves. Proper roads, transportation facilities, information boards, visitor interpretation centres and adequate security are still lacking. Ketavaram has also not received the prominence it deserves in district-level tourism promotion.

Proposals to provide roads and other basic infrastructure to the caves should not remain confined to official files. Any development around the rock-art sites must be undertaken only with the guidance of archaeological experts. The priority should be the preservation of the original historical remains, rather than superficial beautification.

Ashokan edicts–Living testimony to history:

The Ashokan inscriptions found in the Erragudi region of Rayalaseema date back to the 3rd century BCE. Written in Prakrit language and Brahmi script, these inscriptions are invaluable sources for understanding India’s early history. Some of these inscriptions, carved on naturally formed rock surfaces, remain relatively clear, while others are gradually deteriorating due to natural weathering. Such historical sites should not merely be treated as archaeological monuments; they should be developed as centres for research, education and heritage tourism.

Budagavi rock art remains neglected:

The Budagavi area near Uravakonda in Anantapur district also contains valuable evidence of prehistoric human habitation. The granite hills and rock shelters reveal traces associated with the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.

The paintings found in the rock shelters include human figures, deer, bulls, handprints and geometric designs. Such sites are important not only for archaeological research but also for understanding the lifestyle and cultural expressions of prehistoric communities.

However, in the absence of systematic research, scientific documentation and conservation, this priceless heritage faces the danger of disappearing over time.

Anantapur district–A treasure house of heritage:

Anantapur district possesses a unique heritage comprising sculpture, temple architecture, forts, prehistoric rock art, inscriptions and other archaeological remains. From the reported theft of the Krishna-Satya sculpture at Salakam Cheruvu to the stone bed at Rayadurg, the anthropomorphic Shiva sculpture at Hemavathi, sculptures at the Kambadur temple, the Sati stone at Bukkapatnam and Jain heritage associated with Penukonda, numerous historical treasures highlight the urgent need for protection. The forts at Gooty, Penukonda and Ratnagiri continue to showcase their historical grandeur. The magnificent sculptures at Lepakshi, Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple and Chintala Venkataramana Swamy temple at Tadipatri are outstanding examples of India’s rich sculptural tradition. In addition, sites such as the Elephant Caves, prehistoric rock paintings, Kanaganapalli inscriptions, historical remains at Vidapanakallu, temples at Gorantla and the massive stone burial monuments in Kundurpi are still awaiting comprehensive conservation.

Preserve the history recorded in inscriptions:

Inscriptions found on the walls of old temples and stone slabs in villages such as Bollavaram in the Kurnool region provide valuable information about the Vijayanagara period, local rulers, land grants and endowments made to temples. Such inscriptions must be scientifically documented, digitally preserved and made accessible to the public along with their historical context.

Every inscription carries a story. Every sculpture represents a culture. Every rock painting contains a record of human life stretching back thousands of years. Treating them merely as stones amounts to abandoning our responsibility towards history.

Comprehensive action needed for UNESCO recognition:

Sites that possess potential for World Heritage recognition should be scientifically identified and supported with proper documentation, archaeological research, conservation plans and long-term management systems. UNESCO recognition cannot be achieved overnight. It requires demonstrated historical authenticity, extensive research, effective conservation, professional management and sustained planning.

A panel of experts should be constituted to undertake scientific studies of prehistoric rock-art sites such as Ketavaram and Budagavi. The State Archaeology Department, Archaeological Survey of India, universities, historians, archaeologists and local bodies should work together. Wherever appropriate, proposals should be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the UNESCO World Heritage process.

Local employment can boost heritage conservation:

Local communities should be made active partners in heritage conservation. Employment opportunities can be created by training local youth as heritage guides, promoting traditional arts and handicrafts, and developing responsible tourism infrastructure.

When heritage sites generate economic benefits for local communities, public participation and a sense of responsibility towards their protection are also likely to increase.

At the same time, development projects must not damage the original character of historical sites. Roads, parks and beautification projects should follow scientific conservation standards so that rock paintings, inscriptions and ancient structures are not harmed.

It is time to wake up:

The government should formulate a comprehensive heritage conservation policy for Rayalaseema. All historical, archaeological and cultural sites in the region should be geo-tagged and documented in a digital heritage register. Each site should have a specific conservation plan, security arrangements, information boards and visitor facilities. Not even a single line scribbled by a vandal over a prehistoric rock painting should be ignored. When an inscription is erased, centuries of history disappear with it. When an ancient sculpture is stolen, it cannot simply be recreated.

Therefore, the heritage of Rayalaseema must not be viewed merely as a tourist attraction. It must be treated as the historical memory of our society, a source of scientific knowledge and a legacy that we are duty-bound to pass on to future generations.

Unless government departments, archaeological experts, universities, historians and local communities come together to take comprehensive action, this priceless heritage could disappear before our very eyes.

Preserving history is not merely about protecting the past; it is about preserving our roots for future generations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Muchukota Suresh Babu

Dr Muchukota Suresh Babu