Treasure hunters have allegedly disfigured 1,000-year-old Jain sculptures at Kondapochamma village in Siddipet’s Jagdevpur mandal. Archaeologists said one of the two sculptures was devoid of its head and the other was found broken at the bottom portion.
Hyderabad, 13th July 2021: Treasure hunters have allegedly disfigured 1,000-year-old Jain sculptures at Kondapochamma village in Siddipet’s Jagdevpur mandal. Archaeologists said one of the two sculptures was devoid of its head and the other was found broken at the bottom portion. They said the two Jain sculptures are of historical importance and should be preserved. The sculptures were unearthed during the removal of debris on a hillock called ‘Nagapuru Enegutta’ located on the outskirts of Kondapochamma.
White granite sculptures belonging to the 24th Tirthankara Vardhamana Mahavira and the other of a Jain Chaumukh representing the four Jains of Tirthankara Adinatha, Neminatha, Parswanatha and Mahavira were found by members of ‘Kotha Telangana Charitra Brindam’, a group of amateur historians, led by Ramoju Haragopal.
Remains of shrines at the site
Archaeologist E Siva Nagi Reddy, who rushed to the site, said: “The Mahavira sculpture at 4.5 ft in height in dhyanamudra is devoid of head and the Chaumukh which measures 1.5 ft in width and 2.5 ft in height is broken at the bottom.”
The two sculptures date back to 10th century AD representing the iconographical features of Kalyana Chalukyas who ruled the area. Nagi Reddy said the hillock was studded with the remains of Jaina Basidis (shrines) in the foundations and brick walls. – News & Image Courtesy: Times of India