AMARAVATI — The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is preparing to launch a comprehensive epigraphical survey within the dense terrain of the Nallamala forest.
This field operation aims to locate, clean, and decipher hundreds of undocumented stone inscriptions, ancient temple ruins, and hero stones that have remained cut off from mainstream historical records for centuries.
A specialized team from the ASI Epigraphy Branch, based in Mysuru, will lead the exploration. The experts will systematically map ancient sites scattered across deep forest zones, focusing heavily on regions connected to historic pilgrimage routes and tribal settlements.
Local forest officials will provide logistics and security to the research teams navigating the challenging wildlife terrain.
The field documentation will prioritize recording scripts in early Telugu, Kannada, and Sanskrit carved onto temple basements and standalone boulders. Many of these structures date back to the Eastern Chalukya, Kakatiya, and Vijayanagara empires.
Historians believe the new data will fill critical gaps in the regional timeline, revealing insights into medieval trade routes, local administrative boundaries, and patronage patterns of regional chieftains.