ASI Discovers 25 Ancient Inscriptions and Rock Art in Nallamala Tiger Reserve

Key Facts

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) completed a detailed epigraphical survey over three days (11-13 June 2026) in the Nallamala Tiger Reserve, covering areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the Eastern Ghats.
• Twenty-five inscriptions were recorded, dating from the 2nd century CE (Satavahana period) to the 16th century CE (Vijayanagara period), spanning approximately 1,400 years.
• The inscriptions include languages and scripts such as Telugu and Kannada from medieval periods, as well as Prakrit and Brahmi associated with earlier dynasties.
• Important dynasties represented in the inscriptions include Satavahanas, Eastern Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Potapi Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddy rulers, and Vijayanagara Empire.
• Eight Telugu inscriptions dating from the 7th to 16th centuries CE were copied on 11 June 2026 from villages including Gangaram Penta, Meetonta, Palitla, Ponnalabavi, and Jillalapadugu.
• Ten inscriptions in Kannada and Telugu scripts were documented on 12 June and linked to the Kalyani Chalukya, Potapi Chola, Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara periods.
• Seven inscriptions were found on 13 June 2026, including rare Satavahana period inscriptions in Prakrit language using Brahmi script.
• Ancient rock art consisting of megalithic and early historic paintings was identified near Alatam on the Krishna River bank inside the reserve; the art dates to approximately 1500 BCE.
• The Krishna River basin is known for archaeological sites related to prehistoric and early historical human activity.
• The ASI was established in 1861 and is responsible for surveying and preserving India’s epigraphical heritage.

Background & Context

Epigraphy, the study of ancient inscriptions engraved on durable materials like stone, metal, or rock surfaces, helps reconstruct India’s dynastic history, administration, language evolution, and religious patronage. The Nallamala Tiger Reserve lies within the Eastern Ghats, spread over Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It covers extensive forest area and is home to inscriptions from multiple significant historical periods.

The Brahmi script, dating from at least the 3rd century BCE, is the parent of many Indian and South Asian scripts, used in inscriptions of the Satavahana dynasty and others. Prakrit was a common language in many early inscriptions. The rock art found bears evidence of human habitation and artistic activity in the region during the megalithic and early historic phases, contributing valuable archaeological data.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This discovery is relevant for competitive exams covering Indian history, archaeology, and culture, such as UPSC and state PSCs. Questions may focus on the role of epigraphy in understanding India’s past dynasties, the significance of Brahmi and Prakrit in inscriptions, the historical importance of the Satavahanas and later dynasties, and the archaeological importance of sites like the Nallamala Tiger Reserve and Krishna River basin. Understanding the timeline, scripts, dynasties, and archaeological methods enriches candidates' grasp of Ancient and Medieval Indian history.

Points to Remember

• The ASI was founded in 1861 and conducts epigraphical surveys to document and preserve inscriptions.
• The Brahmi script is one of the earliest writing systems in India, pivotal in early historical records.
• The Satavahana dynasty ruled largely in the Deccan region (c. 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE); their inscriptions are predominantly in Prakrit using Brahmi script.
• The Nallamala Tiger Reserve is an archaeologically significant region with inscriptions spanning from the Satavahana to Vijayanagara period.
• Rock art in India is classified into prehistoric, megalithic, and early historic phases; the Krishna River basin has yielded many significant archaeological remains.
• The surveyed inscriptions provide insight into political, cultural, linguistic, and religious developments over fourteen centuries in South India.