Ancient Petroglyphs Discovered in Telangana Near Beerappa Temple

New Rock Carvings in Manchirevula Reveal India’s Prehistoric Heritage

Researchers have identified two ancient petroglyphs carved on a rock surface inside a shelter near the Beerappa Temple in Manchirevula, Telangana. The find enriches India’s prehistoric record and provides fresh evidence of early human creativity and symbolic communication.

Understanding Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs are images or symbols carved directly onto rock surfaces by removing the outer layer. The term comes from Greek— petros (stone) and glyphein (to carve). Unlike painted rock art (petrographs), these markings are produced through engraving, making them more durable and long-lasting.

Such carvings often appear as shallow grooves or deeper incisions, depending on the technique and tools used.

Methods of Creation

Prehistoric communities used multiple techniques to produce petroglyphs, including:

• Pecking and incising to cut into rock

• Abrading and polishing for smoothing surfaces

• Drilling and scratching for finer details

These methods indicate careful planning and tool use, reflecting the technical ability of early humans.

Distribution and Indian Context

Petroglyphs are found worldwide, except in Antarctica, with major concentrations in Africa, the Americas, Australia, Siberia and parts of Europe.

In India, notable examples are seen at the Edakkal Caves , where ancient carvings depict human and symbolic figures. The Telangana discovery adds to this network of prehistoric sites, suggesting a wider spread of early artistic traditions across the subcontinent.

Cultural and Archaeological Significance

Petroglyphs represent one of the earliest forms of human expression. They were not merely artistic but also functional—used for communication, marking territories and possibly recording celestial events.

Some rock surfaces were also used as “rock gongs,” producing sound when struck, indicating a role in ritual or cultural practices. These carvings therefore provide insights into the social, cultural and cognitive development of early human societies.

Exam-Focused Points

• Petroglyphs = rock carvings , unlike painted petrographs.

• Origin: Greek words petros (stone) + glyphein (to carve).

• Found globally except Antarctica .

• Indian example: Edakkal Caves .

• Techniques: pecking, incising, abrading, drilling, polishing.