PANDAVULA GUTTA - ART & CULTURE

News: ‘Pandavula Gutta designated exclusive Geo-heritage site in Telangana’

 

What's in the news?

       Pandavula Gutta has recently gained official recognition as the exclusive Geo-heritage site in Telangana.

 

Pandavula Gutta:

       Pandavula Gutta is a geological wonder older than the Himalayan hills.

       Situated in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana, it boasts numerous prehistoric habitation sites.

 

Discovery and Richness:

       Discovered in 1990, this site is abundant in paintings, rock shelters and evidence of habitation spanning from the mesolithic to medieval periods.

       The paintings exhibit geometric designs and impressions in various pigment colours like green, red, yellow, and white.

 

Prehistoric Rock Art:

       Pandavula Gutta offers a rare insight into prehistoric rock art, found on cave walls, ceilings and isolated boulders.

       The paintings depict wildlife such as Bison, Antelope, Tiger, and Leopard, alongside symbols like the swastika, circles, squares, and weapons like bows, arrows, swords, and lances.

 

Go back to basics:

Geo-heritage Sites:

       “Geoheritage” refers to sites or areas with significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value due to geological features.

       These sites hold importance for education, research, cultural history, or visual appeal, contributing to scientific understanding and cultural appreciation.

 

Declaration:

       The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and maintenance.

 

Significance of Geo-heritage Sites:

Scientific and Educational Value:

       Geoheritage sites encompass textbook geological features, unique rock types, fossils or landscapes crucial for scientific study and education.

       They serve as valuable resources for geologic research and learning.

 

Cultural and Aesthetic Significance:

       Some geoheritage sites play a role in cultural or historical events, integrating geological features into cultural narratives.

       Others are valued for their aesthetic appeal, offering visually stunning landscapes shaped by geological processes.

 

Tourism and Economic Benefits:

       Many geoheritage sites attract tourists, contributing to local and regional economies through tourism-related activities.

       Their preservation and promotion can stimulate economic growth and cultural appreciation within communities.