Sat Feb 08 02:57:12 UTC 2025: ## Ancient Carvings Unearthed During Andhra Pradesh Stepwell Clean-Up
**Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh –** A community initiative in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, has uncovered ancient stone carvings during a temple cleaning drive, highlighting the rich cultural heritage hidden within neglected historical sites. Volunteers from “Mana Ooru – Mana Gudi – Mana Badhyatha” (Our Village – Our Temple – Our Responsibility) discovered intricate sculptures depicting various Indian dance forms and musicians on the walls of a centuries-old stepwell in Guvvalakunta village.
The stepwell, located in a remote area near the Nallamala forest, was in a dilapidated state filled with garbage before the clean-up. The project, spearheaded by M.V. Shivakumar Reddy, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories and convenor of INTACH Nandyal, revealed further sculptures of the Dasavatarams (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu) as the volunteers cleared debris and pumped out water. The discovery also revealed that the stepwell historically supplied water for rituals at a local Shiva temple.
The initiative, which began in May 2022, has already cleaned over 124 temples across the state, attracting volunteers from diverse backgrounds and ages, including a 69-year-old gynaecologist. Participants emphasized the spiritual and cultural significance of the work, noting the strong sense of community fostered through the shared effort.
The unearthed carvings underscore the need for greater community involvement in preserving India’s cultural heritage. While the Endowments Department plays a crucial role, volunteers stressed the importance of citizen participation in maintaining and protecting historical sites often overlooked and neglected. The discovery in Guvvalakunta serves as a powerful testament to the hidden treasures awaiting rediscovery through collaborative efforts.
First Piper 