Satavahana-era Inscriptions – Gundaram, Peddapalli (Telangana):

1. Discovery:

Two inscriptions discovered at Gundaram rock shelter, Peddapalli District.

Dated to the Satavahana era (1st century BCE to 3rd century CE).

2. Key Details:

First Inscription:

Written in early Brahmi script.

Mentions a person from the Hāritiputra lineage, likely of the Chutu dynasty.

States he excavated a cave for Buddhist monks.

Mentions his friendship with Kumāra Hakusiri, a Satavahana prince.

Second Inscription:

Begins with religious symbols: Trident (Trishula) and Damaru.

Declares land east of the hill as belonging to Siri Devarāna.

Signifies an early fusion of political authority with religious iconography in South India.

3. Significance:

Suggests links between Buddhist patronage and royal lineages.

Demonstrates early religious symbolism in political inscriptions.

Offers insight into the socio-religious landscape during the Satavahana period.