Unveiling Prakasam’s ancient history Premium

In the heartland of Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district lies a treasure trove of historical engravings, each bearing witness to bygone eras and forgotten tales

In the heartland of Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district lies a treasure trove of historical engravings, each bearing witness to bygone eras and forgotten tales. Amongst the sprawling fields and quaint villages, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed remnants of a rich past etched in stone.

The archaeological odyssey in the district begins with the discovery of inscriptions that throw light on Gangaya Sahini, a figure shrouded in the mist of time and brought to life through the meticulous deciphering of the inscriptions at Ayyambotlapalli and Boyalapalli. They narrate the saga of the first ruler of the Kayastha dynasty, which stretched from Telangana’s depths to Karnataka’s verdant landscapes.

Through the skilled interpretations of K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director of Epigraphy at ASI, Mysuru, we are transported back to the Kayastha era.

An inscription dating back to C.E. 1262 hints at the final days of Gangaya Sahini, while another discovered at Boyalapalli unveils the benevolence of a ruler who bestowed lands upon deities and monarchs alike—a testament to the king’s genius ability to balance faith and governance during his reign.

But the chronicles of Prakasam’s past extend beyond the reign of Gangaya Sahini, delving into the annals of Vijayanagara’s glory and the dawn of Telugu civilization.

From the humble hamlets of Gollavidipi to the sacred precincts of Venkatadripalem, each inscription gives a window to an era, where kings ruled with iron fists and gods held sway over mortal affairs.

Gangaya Sahini’s stone inscriptions at Ayyambotlapalli village suggest that Gangayya Sahini died in C.E. 1262, Mr. Munirathnam Reddy said.