Mesolithic rock paintings, Satavahana inscription discovered in Telangana's Pedapalli
- Recently, a team from the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundham (KTCB) has unearthed rock paintings and inscriptions in Seethamma Loddi, located in Gattu Singaram village, Peddapalli district.
Discoveries
- One inscription mentions Satavahana prince Hakusiri, while another is believed to belong to the Vishnukundins dynasty.
- The Vishnukundins dynasty ruled parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- The paintings, found on a hillock deep inside a forest, are predominantly red, with some white and yellow colours used as well.
- It showcases scenes of men and women dancing, individuals with bows and arrows, footprints, and a variety of animals like deer, antelope, tortoise, jungle cat, monkeys, and wild lizards.
- Intricate diamond-shaped designs are also present.
- The rock paintings date back to the Mesolithic period (10,000 to 12,000 years ago) and the Early Historic period (1st BCE to 6th CE).
Archaeological Finds
- Microliths, including a core flake, were discovered at the site.
- A protected wall made of weathered black stone and a demolished stone structure from the Early Historic period were also observed.
- A fossilized stone containing shells suggests the site's age to be an astonishing 65 million years old.
Prelims Takeaway
- Mesolithic Period
- Vishnukundins Dynasty
- Microliths