Nearly three decades ago the Department of Archaeology and Museums Government of Andhra Pradesh took up archaeological excavations at Kotilingala after surface exploration brought to light interesting numismatic evidence. The village Kotilingala lies between 18" 52' North latitude and 79" 12' East longitude about 70 kms to the north-east of Karimnagar on the right (south) bank of the river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh. The village proper and its adjoining high mounds cover an area of about 100 acres along the river bank. The prominent mounds at the cardinal points resembling bastions (in brick) connecting early historic mud fort.

At the out set it is my duty to express my deep sense of happiness, for at last, the long awaited "REPORT ON THE EXCAVATIONS OF KOTILINGALA", is seeing the light of the day. For this thanks to the initiation taken by Dr. J. Kedareswari, Director, Archaeology & Museums.

In 1982, I was entrusted with the work of conducting the IIIrd season's operations at Kotilingala which I believe, I did with utmost sincerity, devotion and commitment.

I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude to Dr. V.V.Krishna Sastry, my mentor, who extended his helping hand through out. lam grateful to him for providing the opportunity of excavating a unique early historic habitation site, ever discovered in Andhra Pradesh, which drew the attention of Archaeologists and scholars all over India, since its discovery in 1978.