NEWS – Pandavula Gutta designated exclusive Geo-heritage site in Telangana

PANDAVA CAVES/ PANDAVA GUTTALU

• Historical Significance: Believed to be where the Pandavas from the Mahabharata spent part of their exile.
• Location: Situated in Regonda Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, approximately 50 km from Warangal and 195 km from Hyderabad.
• Art and Artifacts: Features unique rock art with paintings depicting lifestyle, hunting methods, peacocks, tigers, and geometrical designs.
• Global Significance: Represents a global phenomenon of rock art found in many regions worldwide, providing insights into prehistoric and historical periods.
• Discovery: Discovered by Sri K. Ramakrishna Rao of the Department of Archaeology & Museums, Hyderabad.
• Environment: Surrounded by dense forests that once sustained various wildlife species, including herbivores and carnivores.
• Cultural Importance: Holds religious significance with stone sculptures, handprints, and inscriptions dating back to the 9th-10th century AD, depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and worshipped by local communities

GEO-HERITAGE SITES

• Definition: Refers to geological features of significance offering insights into Earth’s evolution or history, or that are utilized for educational purposes.
• Designation: Geological Survey of India (GSI) designates sites as Geo-heritage Sites (GHS) based on their geological and cultural importance.
• Protection: India, as a UNESCO member, protects Geo-heritage Sites through appropriate legislation, aligning with global efforts to safeguard cultural and natural heritage.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (GSI)

• Establishment: Founded in 1851, headquartered in Kolkata, with the initial goal of identifying coal deposits for the Railways.
• Current Role: An attached office to the Ministry of Mines, GSI’s main functions include creating and updating national geoscientific information and assessing mineral resources.
• Significance: Plays a crucial role in geological research, resource assessment, and conservation of India’s geological heritage, including Geo-heritage Sites.