Karimnagar Archaeological Museum

Museum in the South Indian state of Telangana, dedicated to displaying items found in Hindu Stupas and Temples, as well as artifacts developed in Dynasties such as the Satavahana Empire.

Karimnagar Archaeological Museum
Photo by Bharath Ane Nenu
Type:	Archaeological Museum
Country:	India
Establishment:	2001

The Karimnagar Archaeological Museum (Telugu: కరీంనగర్ మ్యూజియం) is a museum in the South Indian state of Telangana, dedicated to displaying items found in Hindu Stupas and Temples, as well as artifacts developed in Dynasties such as the Satavahana Empire.

History

In 2013, an inscription dating back to the 2nd century AD found around Mukkatraopet (Telugu: ముక్కట్రావుపేట) was brought into the museum, dating back to the Satavahana Empire.^[1] In 2020, an inspection of the museum's inscriptions, statues and coins dating back to the Chalukya, Kakatiya and Satavahana dynasties was carried out in order to begin the respective renovations of the museum by the City Commission.^[2]

Collections

The museum has an image of Parshvanatha that is approximately 8 feet high, similar artifacts were found in archaeological sites of Jain temples around Telangana.^[3] Additionally, the museum has artifacts from Buddhist sites around Dhulikatta (Telugu: దూళికట), including objects with inscriptions from the Brahmi script, one of the writing systems of Ancient India, where Telugu script was originally developed.^[4]

The museum contains slabs found in Stupas, such as a series of Ayaka Slabs featuring depictions of Muchilinda Naga, an important figure in Buddhist beliefs, as well as images of the Bodhi Tree, a sacred site in the State of Bihar and "Mahabhinishkramana", transliterated as Great Renunciation.^[5]

The museum received artifacts found around various temples in Kotalingala, a pilgrimage site in the State, part of the collection of artifacts were made with red sandstone as well as several stone grinders were donated to the museum.^[6]

Gallery

Several old photographs of temples and archaeological sites in the District (2018) - Photo by Mneendhar Thatipally

Brahmi Script inscription dating from the 1st to 2nd century AD found at Mukkatraopet, Velgatoor Mandal (2018) - Photo by Aravind Pakide

A Katar, push dagger native to the Indian Subcontinent, dating back to the Qutb Shahi Dynasty (2018) - Photo by Rajeshwar K

Localization

• Pilgrimage Site: Kotilingala | Native Name (Telugu): కోటిలింగాల | Mandal: Velgatoor / Near Godavari River | District: Jagtial | Coords: 18°51'42.5"N 79°11'50.6"E
• Town Name: Mukkatraopet | Native Name (Telugu): ముక్కట్రావుపేట | Mandal: Velgatoor / Near Godavari River | District: Jagtial | Coords: 18°50'58.9"N 79°11'54.1"E
• Town Name: Dharmapuri | Native Name (Telugu): ధర్మపురి | Mandal: Dharmapuri / Near Godavari River | Disrtict: Jagtial | Coords: 18°56'54.0"N 79°05'42.4"E
• Town Name: Dhulikatta | Native Name (Telugu): ధూళికట్ | Mandal: Eligaid | Disrtict: Peddapalli | Coords: 18°35'12.7"N 79°16'24.4"E

Terminology

• Ayaka is a term used in Buddhist Architecture used in South India, which indicates an artistic style for rectangular plates, pillars and slabs found in Stupas and Buddhist Temples. (Source: Ruined Buddhist Stupa & Remains, Amaravati by ASI + "Ayaka Cornice with Four Scenes from the Buddha's Life" (Audio Guide) by the Met Museum)

References

1. ‘Karimnagar Archaeology museum will get facelift.’ (2020-10-06). Telangana Today.

2. Satavahana inscription in Karimnagar museum. (2013-05-12). The New Indian Express.

3. Balgoori, R. (2013). Jaina Culture in Karimnagar District, Telengana—A Study. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, ISSN: 2249-1937, 167–177.

4. Sastry, K. (1990). Annual Report Of the Deparment of Archaeology Museums 1986-87.

5. Balgoori, R. (2021). The Early Historical Culture In Peddapalli And Jagitial Districts Of Telangana—A Study. Journal of Humanities,Music and Dance(JHMD) ISSN: 2799-1180, 1(01), Article 01. DOI: 10.55529/jhmd11.15.22 (Page 6)

6. Ornament (Fall 1964 Issue). (1964). 8(1). ISSN: 0148-3897 (Page 54 - 57)