Telangana Villages Unearth 10,000-Year-Old Rock Art and Lost Histories

Rapid Summary

• A grassroots initiative called Kotha Telangana Charithra brundam (KTCB) is quietly revolutionizing historical storytelling in Telangana, involving 125 volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• The group, lead by retired Telugu teacher and historian Sriramoju Hargopal, documents buried heritage through a network of villagers who share photos and videos via WhatsApp.
• Notable finds include a 26-foot menhir at Appaji Peta, a sixth-century BC Buddhist stupa, terracotta pots from the Satavahana period, and inscriptions across villages.
• Volunteers organize mapping expeditions with input from archaeologists and collaboration with organizations like the Rock Art society of India (RASI).
• Social media is pivotal for grassroots awareness but rising threats like vandalism and unchecked real estate progress endanger historical sites.
• The team publishes academic papers while fostering community engagement through YouTube discussions to spark interest in cultural preservation among locals.

Indian Opinion Analysis

KTCB’s efforts highlight the importance of grassroots-level involvement in uncovering India’s rich but frequently enough overlooked local histories. By combining modern communication tools such as whatsapp with customary archaeological methods, this initiative underscores how technology can empower communities to preserve their heritage collaboratively. Though, challenges like vandalism or neglect due to urbanization pose significant threats – an issue requiring policy-level intervention alongside local advocacy efforts.The project opens doors for broader participation in cultural conservation while emphasizing inclusivity; preserving antiquities “in situ” ensures history remains accessible rather than confined within institutional walls.

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Images:
1) !1200/kotha2.jpg”>Sriramoju Hargopal
3) !1200/kotha10.jpg”>Terracotta pots unearthed
5) !Inscription found at China Kandukur