Annual Report of the Department of Archaeology & Museums Andhra Pradesh: 1971-1972 (An Old and Rare Book)

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As stated in the previous annual report, we have initiated the programme of publishing all the reports from 1970 onwards. This report, which narrates the main achievements of the Department during the year 1971-1972, contains an account on the seasonal excavation at Peddabankur conducted by the Editor and other staff members under the supervision of the then Director, Janab Mohd. Abdul Waheed Khan. The report reveals the socio-cultural aspect of the Satavahana period. The previous seasonal excavations have revealed three huge brick enclosures. This year's work brought out some oval structures, brick wells etc. Some of the houses have been roofed with corrugated tiles. The wells were constructed of wedge shaped bricks, the antiquity of which may be traced right from the Harappan period. Another important discovery was an underground brick drain leading from a well to lead out used water. Interestingly some side vents were provided for the drain at intervals in order to allow the excess water to be absorbed into the soil so that the drain lasts longer. Most of the present day underground drains are found to be choked up and sometimes pose a health hazard for the people living in the cities.

The other important excavation of the Department during the year under consideration was at Gollathagudi about 10 kms. from Jedcherla. There is still a huge Jaina temple existing at the site. The present excavation was concentrated towards North of the existing brick temple. Just about 100 meters from the present excavation and towards West, is a mound known as Padalagadda over which are installed two huge feet of probably Jaina Mahavira. The feet are of a height of more than 4 ft. This feature reminds us of the temple of Vastu Purusha recently excavated Kandhar in Maharashtra. The difference is that the excavators Prof. Dhavalikar and Dr. Jamkhedkar of the Deccan College, Poona and the State Department of Archaeology Maharashtra respectively were fortunate to have found during the excavations the entire body of the Vastu Purusha in a lying posture. The feet of Vastu Purusha at Kandhar are similar in height to those at Gollathagudi.