Andhra's prehistoric rock shelters: 'Even North Indians regularly visited Lankamala' – Why ASI calls it a landmark discovery

Credit: X/@sudhakarudumula

The Archaeological Survey of India’s epigraphical survey in Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh has made major findings of three rock shelters and rock paintings along with 30 inscriptions, dating from 800 to 2000 years ago.

According to ASI, one of three rock shelters contained beautiful prehistoric artwork of humans, animals, and geometric designs. These paintings were done in Red Ochre, Kaolin and animal fat and crushed bones in the Megalithic (Iron Age) and early historic periods (2500 BCE-2nd century CE).

The six-member team of the ASI found the rock inscriptions, which suggest that Lankamala was a major Shaivite pilgrim centre regularly visited by devotees from north India.

The survey, which examined about 30 inscriptions in the reserve forest, was conducted between February 27 and March 1 in the rocky regions of Nityapujakona, Akkadevatala Konda, and Bandigani Chella. According to K Munirathnam, the team leader, the inscriptions were written in Brahmi (4th century CE), Shell (6th century CE), Nagari (Sanskrit), and Telugu characters.

"This is a landmark discovery in the ASI's history. It helps us ascertain the pilgrimage routes which even North Indians took. It shows how the pilgrimage centre of the Shaivite region shifted from here to Srisailam starting in the 4th Century," K Munirathnam said.

During a routine inspection in December 2024, the local forest range officer identified rock inscriptions and carvings across Siddavatam, Madduru, Konduru, and Rolabodu forest areas. Following the report, the ASI wrote to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and seek official permission. "We then embarked on an arduous trek going up thousands of feet on steep hills to copy the inscriptions through the dangerous forests," he said.

The manuscripts, according to archaeologists, offer important new perspectives on the history, culture, and customs of the area.