Context:
Recently, Pandavula Gutta has been officially recognised as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana.
Relevance:
GS I: Culture
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Pandavula Gutta
- What are geo-relics and geo-heritage sites?
About Pandavula Gutta
Geological Marvel:
- Pandavula Gutta is a geological marvel with an age predating the Himalayan hills, making it a significant archaeological site.
Location:
- Situated in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana, Pandavula Gutta is renowned for its numerous prehistoric habitation sites.
Discovery:
- Discovered for the first time in 1990, Pandavula Gutta has since attracted attention for its rich historical and archaeological significance.
Richness of the Site:
- The site boasts a wealth of features, including numerous paintings, rock shelters, and evidence of habitation spanning from the Mesolithic to medieval times.
Cave Paintings:
- The paintings found at Pandavula Gutta showcase intricate geometrical designs and impressions, utilizing colors such as green, red, yellow, and white pigments.
Insight into Prehistoric Art:
- These cave paintings provide a rare glimpse into the rock art of prehistoric humans, adorning the walls, ceilings of caves, rock shelters, and isolated boulders.
Depictions:
- The rock art paintings depict various aspects of wildlife, including Bison, Antelope, Tiger, and Leopard. Additionally, symbols like the swastika, circles, squares, and weapons such as bows, arrows, swords, and lances are also present in the paintings.
What are geo-relics and geo-heritage sites?
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) designates geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and maintenance, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Mines in 2016.
- To safeguard these locations, the GSI or the relevant state governments take the necessary steps.
- Geo-heritage Sites: According to the draught legislation, these are “sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms, including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest; and includes such portion of land adjoining the site,” which may be necessary for their preservation or for access to such sites.
- Geo-relics are referred to as “any relic or material of a geological significance or interest” and include sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, and fossils. The ability to purchase georelics “for its preservation and maintenance” will be granted to the GSI.
- Among the 32 geo-heritage sites spread across 13 states are the Akal Fossil Wood Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and the Volcanogenic bedded Barytes of Mangampeta in the Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh
-Source: The Hindu
