World Heritage Day: Here are some sites that deserve to be put on global map

Telangana: Telangana is a treasure trove of ancient heritage and culture. The region is home to several historical sites that are the potential to be listed as World Heritage Sites. Ramappa temple has recently gained international recognition for its exceptional architecture and has been recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. However, Telangana's rich cultural heritage extends beyond the Ramappa temple.

Aravind Arya Pakide, an archaeologist and author of the book 'Untold Telangana' says, "There are many other sites that are potential to be listed in World Heritage Site like Devuni Gutta, Rock art Pandavula Gutta, Megaliths at Damarvai, and Gollatha Gudi. These sites are not only significant for their historical and cultural value but also offer a glimpse into the region's diverse and fascinating past."

Here are some heritage sites that deserve to be put on the world map:

Devuni Gutta temple

Devuni Gutta temple in Telangana believed to have been constructed in the 6th-7th century AD, has caught the attention of research scholars worldwide due to its unique architectural and sculptural style. The temple, located in a dense forest east of Kothuru village near Mulugu district, is said to be the only one of its kind in India, resembling the famous temples of Java and Angkor Wat. The temple represents a rare and distinct amalgamation of both Buddhist and Saivite traditions.

The temple's sculptures bring memories of the sculpture style of Nagarjunakonda, Amaravati, Dhulikatta, Elephanta, Skandhagiri, Mahabalipuram, and Aihole. According to Aravind Arya, “The temple is made up of pre-carved sandstone blocks, quadrangular in shape with only the sanctum sanctorum and just one entrance. Sculptures are seen all around on all four walls of the temple, with the most striking depiction being that of a king sitting with his courtiers on the outer side of the south wall, resembling the Padma Pani of the Ajanta paintings.”

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Vishnukundins who ruled the Deccan during the 5th-6th centuries AD. However, the architectural and sculptural style is very foreign to both the Vishnukundins and the region and resembles the Gupta style to some extent.

The archaeologist further says, “A remnant of a significantly larger stupa featuring a half lotus and a lion was recently discovered in the vicinity. The partially destroyed marble pillar points towards its probable Buddhist roots. However, locals say that a Sivalingam may have been the initial religious artifact present at the location.”

The temple's uniqueness and archaeological importance have led the Archaeological Survey of India to take it under its wing, and a much-needed programme of repair and conservation will be carried out soon. Research scholars worldwide are eagerly waiting to explore and study this rare gem of Telangana, as much of it remains unexplored.

Pandavula Gutta

Pandavula Gutta, a rare Mesolithic rock-art site located in the Regonda mandal of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district in Telangana, should be recognized as a World Heritage Site. The site is a significant representation of the early human history of the region and offers a rare glimpse into the prehistoric man’s rock art identified on walls and ceilings of caves, rock shelters, and isolated boulders. The cave paintings depict wildlife like bison, antelope, tiger, and leopard, as well as symbols like swastika, circles, squares, and weapons such as bows, arrows, swords, and lancers.

Furthermore, the site is rich in terms of several paintings, rock shelters, and habitation, right from the Mesolithic to medieval times. The cave paintings have been recovered here, suggesting that it could have once been a habitation of early man. “Pandavula Gutta is home to a 7th-8th century A.D Telugu-Kannada short label inscription which can be attributed to the Rashtrakuta times. This inscription is believed to have been laid down by the paramamaheswara lakulisas, a rebellious sect of Saivites to destroy all the Buddhists and Jains in the name of religion,” says Aravind.

“Pandavula Gutta offers a unique and stunning natural landscape with naturally-formed caves, series of caverns and tunnels, and interlinking routes. The site is adorned with figures of humans, animals, and other symbols, painted with green, red, yellow, and white pigment colors. The ‘Shilatoranam’ or a naturally formed stone arch at the hillock is said to be bigger than the popular Silathoranam in Tirumala hills.”

Telangana Region is also believed to have been mentioned in the epic of Mahabharata as the ‘Thelinga Kingdom’, which is said to have been inhabited by the tribes known as’ Telavana’, who fought on the side of the Pandavas in the great war of Mahabharata at Kurukshetra.

Forest Department is making all efforts to promote Pandavula Gutta as an eco-tourism destination. With its natural beauty, historical significance, and unique rock art paintings, Pandavula Gutta is a deserving heritage site for World Heritage Site status, and steps must be taken to preserve and protect this invaluable site for future generations.

Damarvai Dolmens

Damaravai Tombs are a significant discovery in the Godavari River Basin, revealing crucial insights into human rituals, cultural commitments, lifestyle, occupation, and instinct from pre-historic times. These dolmens, which date back to the New Stone Age, are human tombs with room-like structures constructed by the primal humans around 1500 B.C. to 300 A.D. They are found in various places in the region, including Damaravai, Jaggaram, Gangaaram, Rangaapuram, Beerelli, Bhoopathipuram, Ankupalli, Mallurugutta of Mangapeta Mandal, Komuraaram, Chettupalli, Maanikyaram, Kanchanapalli, Galabha, and Dongathogu.

According to the book ‘The Untold Telangana,’ “The Damaravai tombs are built with roughly carved sandstones, occupying an area of 4m length and 3 m wide, and feature big-sized rocks placed on the boundaries of the tomb, with an additional big and heavy boulder on top of them. The tombs have a rectangular water tub-like structure inside, possibly serving as a small casket for the dead bodies. The entrance is either north or south, which suggests that the primal humans may have followed some Vaastu tradition.”

The construction of these tombs showcases the brilliant constructional skills of the pre-historic humans, who created a circle with a radius of 10 feet and placed rocks on the boundaries to do the construction. The author says, “The stones used to cover the top of the tombs weigh up to 10 to 20 tons, which raises the question of how the primal humans managed to put them in place without scientific knowledge, equipment, or instruments. The construction is very disciplined and skilled, indicating that the tombs were built based on a master plan.”

Dolmen tombs can mostly be observed along the Godavari River Basin, and these tombs are believed to be constructed under the impression of rebirth after death, much like the Pyramids constructed by the Egyptians. According to Archaeological Scientist Gururaja Rao, “The primal humans may have given more importance to the human body after death than when they were alive. Also, the primal humans did not have any occupation, so they might have spent much time constructing such types of tombs.”

In 1877, Geologists Dr. William King and Moolahaaran discovered these tombs in the forests on the borders of Warangal and Khammam districts. Khaja Ahmed, the state Archaeology Director said: “Based on the tools and construction materials used, these tombs belong to the New Stone Age and may date back to 3000 to 5000 years ago. Telangana has a rich history of primal human tombs, with twelve different varieties, but the Dolmen variety is the most common."

Centre has initiated a fund for the development of ancient tomb sites under the Tribal Circuit Project. Approximately Rs 4 crore has been earmarked for the development of this area. A knowledge center describing human life, audio-video exhibitions, and a museum are being developed in Damaravai to promote tourism and attract future generations. Eco-tourism attractions titled 'A date with nature' and 'Walk in wild' are also being developed to further promote tourism in the region.

Gollatha Gudi

Gollatha Gudi, located in Alvanpalli of Jadcherla Mandal in Mahabubnagar District, is an ancient Jain temple that was built in the 5th century, making it one of the oldest temples in India.

“What makes it truly unique is that it is a rare brick construction, standing at a towering height of 65 feet, making it the tallest brick temple construction in the entire country. In fact, all over India, there are only two ancient brick constructions above 50 feet in height, with the other being a temple on the outskirts of Bhitargaon in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district, which was constructed 1600 years ago and stands at a height of 58 feet,” says the archaeologist.

The historical significance of Gollatha Gudi and its impressive construction make it a prime site for being considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Apart from its rare brick construction and historical significance, Gollatha Gudi has several other features that make it a potential World Heritage site. It is spread over an area of about 8 acres and has ornate decorations made of Gaara, a traditional decorative style. The temple's entrance tower, which stands at 40 feet, is another significant attraction. Near the temple, several other archaeological finds, including medieval idols of Mahavira and Parshvanaadhava, have been discovered. These finds provide important insights into the cultural and religious practices of ancient India.

Furthermore, Gollatha Gudi's preservation is being actively pursued by the Telangana State Heritage Department, which has taken measures to protect the temple and make it a heritage site. The department is planning to develop the site while carefully preserving its unique features, such as the brick ornate entrance tower.

Given its historical significance, unique construction, and active preservation efforts, Gollatha Gudi is a strong contender for being considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recognition as such would not only bring international attention and appreciation to this ancient temple but also help to ensure its continued preservation for future generations.

Preservation and promotion efforts for cultural heritage sites

These historical sites offer significant cultural and archaeological value, with the potential to be listed as World Heritage Sites. Telangana's rich cultural heritage is of utmost importance, and steps must be taken to preserve and protect these invaluable sites for future generations. The Forest Department is making all efforts to promote Pandavula Gutta as an eco-tourism destination, while the Archaeological Survey of India has taken Devuni Gutta Temple under its wing for conservation