Rudrama’s sculpture to add colour to fest

According to experts, based on the historical evidence and the depiction, the newly-found sculpture is believed to be of Rani Rudrama Devi

​Warangal: Even as the Archaeological Department is trying to fix the bits and pieces of recently found ruins at Ainavolu,

the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, devotees visiting the annual carnival (jatara) starting on Thursday are set to get a glimpse of a sculpture believed to be of Rani Rudrama Devi, one of the prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty.

It may be noted here that no historian or archaeology expert hitherto had an idea of the image of the great warrior who ruled the region during the 13th century.

The locals who stumbled upon the sculpture near the temple precincts a few days ago informed the archaeological department about the findings.

This apart, locals also found two fully carved pillars of Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (Kakatiya Gate) half-a-kilometer away from the temple recently.

This is believed to be the fourth gate of the temple. As of now, there are two gates one each on the east and south side of the temple. The one on the north side is left abandoned midway without installing.

Speaking to The Hans India, temple priest Nandanam Madhu Sharma said, “Based on the historical evidence and the depiction, the sculpture is believed to be of Rudrama Devi.

The sculpture depicts a royal woman sitting on a warhorse with a sword in her hand.” Rudrama Devi stayed in Ainavolu temple for five days praying for a child.

Even today childless couples visit the temple seeking children. It is called ‘varalu pattadam’ (seeking favour) in local parlance, the priest said.

Warangal Seva Tourism and Cultural Society founder and president Kusuma Surya Kiran said, “The iconography points that the sculpture is of Rudrama Devi, but the fact is to be established by the archaeological wing by conducting excavations in the region.”

He said that Ainavolu region had the potential to be developed into a major tourist hub in Warangal Urban district. The new findings are also expected to boost the image of the jatara further.

Meanwhile, the temple authorities made elaborate arrangements for the jatara starting on Thursday. It will continue till the Ugadi.

The Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation deputed its sanitation staff to maintain hygiene in the village.