Memorial Stones at Keesaragutta, Nirmal Step Well Add Clues to Past

At Keesaragutta in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, heritage researchers documented two pairs of stone pillars near Shahikaman, along with a veeragallu, or hero stone, that they interpret as a sati memorial.

HYDERABAD: Two heritage finds in different parts of Telangana are drawing fresh attention to archaeological remains that have survived outside the state's best-known monuments: medieval memorial stones and Nandi-carved pillars at Keesaragutta near Hyderabad, and an unusual 200-step structure identified by a historian at Nirmal Fort.

At Keesaragutta in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, heritage researchers documented two pairs of stone pillars near Shahikaman, along with a veeragallu, or hero stone, that they interpret as a sati memorial. The finds were examined during a field visit by members of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam.

Sriramoju Haragopal, president of the heritage group, said the memorial sculpture depicts a warrior facing north with a sword and shield. Two women appear behind him, one carrying a kamandalu, or water vessel. Based on the figures' hairstyles, clothing and sculptural style, Haragopal dates the memorial to approximately the 14th-15th centuries.

The stone pillars carry carvings of Nandi, the bull associated with Shiva, and may have been erected as memorials connected with Shaivite warriors. Keesaragutta is best known today for the Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, about 35 kilometres from Hyderabad. Previous investigations have documented fortifications and structural remains associated with early historic occupation.

About 200 kilometres to the north, historian Dr. Thummala Devrao reported finding an ancient rock-built structure containing approximately 200 steps on the eastern side of Nirmal Fort. Telangana Today described the find as an ancient stepwell. Devrao proposed that soldiers could have used it for concealed movement from the fort during an enemy attack and also reported tunnels or secret passages associated with the structure.

Both the Keesaragutta and Nirmal reports illustrate an important distinction in heritage reporting: field researchers often identify previously overlooked structures before government archaeology departments conduct formal investigations.

For Telugu people living in the United States, these findings offer another way to understand the state's history through continuing field documentation that can reveal overlooked traces of how communities worshipped and defended settlements.