Syllabus
GS 1: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Context:
Recently, the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has documented 11 inscriptions during an extensive epigraphical survey in the Gundaram Reserve Forest in Telangana.
More on the News
- Spanning a period from the 1st century BCE to the 6th century CE, the inscriptions provide critical insights into the early cultural and political landscape of the Deccan, with particular reference to the Satavahana period.
- These inscriptions were engraved on a prominent rock surface locally known as Sitammalodi near Gattusingaram village.
Significant Inscriptions and Historical Relevance
| Inscription | Key Features | Historical Significance |
| 1. Early Brahmi inscription | Mentions Hāritiputra (lineage of Chuṭu dynasty), friend of Kumāra Hakusiri (Satavahana prince) | Suggests social/political ties between Satavahanas and Chuṭus and is credited with commissioning the excavation of a cave for the benefit of Buddhist monks. |
| 2. Religious symbol inscription | Begins with a trident and damaru; mentions land ownership by Siri Devarāna | This is the first known use of religious iconography in South Indian early inscriptions, indicating the link between religion and political authority |
| 3. Additional Satavahana inscriptions | Reference of royal figures Kumāra Sakasiri and Akusiri | Reinforces regional prominence during early historical period |
Broader Historical Context
The region of the inscription was once part of Asmaka — one of the 16 Mahajanapadas.
- Before the Satavahanas ruled most of the land between the river Narmada and the river Krishna for nearly 500 years, between 2BCE and 2CE.
- The Nizamabad region was a part of Asamaka republic. Their region roughly encompasses Vidarbha and northern Telangana.
Indicates cordial relations or alliances between the Satavahanas and Chutus, two prominent early Deccan dynasties.
Indications of a Buddhist presence, including a potential monk burial ground.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- ASI was established in 1861 after a proposal put forward by Alexander Cunningham (the father of Indian archaeology), later he was appointed as the first Director-General of ASI in 1861.
- Currently, ASI is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture and functions as the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is headquartered in New Delhi.