800-year-old Nandi sculpture lies neglected in Telangana’s Narayanapet

Archaeologist and Pleach India Foundation CEO E. Sivanagireddy and others with Kakatiya era Nandi sculpture at Jakkileru village in Maktal mandal of Narayanapet district on Monday. | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

An 800-year-old Nandi sculpture dating back to the Kakatiya period has been lying neglected amid bushes along the roadside in Jakkileru village, Maktal mandal of Narayanapet district in Telangana.

Archaeologist and Pleach India Foundation CEO E. Sivanagireddy, who inspected the site on Monday (November 9, 2026), said the black basalt sculpture, dating to the 13th century, was originally housed in the Rangamandapa of Trikutalaya (triple-shrine temple).

Acting on information provided by heritage activists K. Bhaskar Goud and G. Mahendar Reddy, Mr. Sivanagireddy visited the village and found that the sculpture was broken into two pieces by miscreants some time ago and lying unattended.

Nandi sculpture reflects the craftsmanship of Kakatiya artisans

Measuring five feet in length, three feet in width and 3.5 feet in height, the sculpture reflects the craftsmanship of Kakatiya artisans, particularly in its anatomical detailing and ornamental decorations, he said.

Mr. Sivanagireddy appealed to the villagers to shift the two pieces of the sculpture into the temple, restore them on a pedestal and install a plaque explaining their historical significance. He said the villagers responded positively and assured him that steps would be taken to preserve the sculpture for posterity.

Villagers Jayapal Reddy and Srinivasa Reddy, along with students, participated in the heritage awareness programme, ‘Preserve Heritage for Posterity’, organised by the Pleach India Foundation.

Published - November 09, 2026 04:09 pm IST