FUSION OF ROCK ART AT RUDRAGIRI HILLOCK FOUND ANDHRA PRADESH

 

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Recently, on the Rudragiri hillock, a stunning fusion of beautiful Kakatiya dynasty artwork and prehistoric rock drawings from the Mesolithic era was found.

Facts about Rudra Giri Hillock

• It is situated in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district.
• It is nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats and has five naturally occurring rock shelters at the foothills that face westward.
• These dwellings, which were used as habitation during the Mesolithic period approximately 5000 B.C., are evidence of the vibrant rock art of that time.
• The hillock's southernmost two natural caves are also home to outstanding Kakatiya dynasty paintings.

• Key findings:

• A narrative artwork in the first cave depicts the fierce conflict between the Vanara brothers, Vali and Sugriva. Both characters are positioned on the battlefield holding maces while looking fiercely determined. Rama shoots arrows at Vali from behind Sugriva.
• Hanuman is shown raising the Sanjeevani hill in a Ramayana fresco with his right hand. To his right are a conch and fire altars, while to his left is another archaic picture.
• Visitors' attention is drawn to a large drawing of Hanuman in the middle cave, which also has the sacred conch (Sankha) and fire altar (Yagna Vedi) emblems. The Sanjivani hill is carried by Hanuman in his right hand, signifying his goal of preserving Lakshmana's life.
• Mesolithic-era ancient rock art may be seen in the third cave.
• Interestingly, the Kakatiya artist used the same rock shelter to superimpose the graceful image of Hanuman. Hanuman is depicted in a distinctive 'Anjali' stance, folding his hands in a holy gift.

• The rich historic mural legacy revealed at Rudragiri was probably patronised by the legendary Ganapati Deva Maharaja (1199-1262 AD), the creator of Muppavaram temple and a prominent member of the Kakatiya dynasty.

What is the Mesolithic period?

• Between the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic (New Stone Age), there was a period known as the Middle Stone Age.
• This period is typically thought to have existed between 12,000 and 10,000 years ago.
• Lifestyle: Hunter-gatherer groups dominated human cultures during the Mesolithic era.

 

 

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