Historian Dr Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli showing the markings in Mrugavani National Park at Chilkur
Hyderabad: Four deep grooves found on a rock surface near the Banda Juvvi Watch Tower in Mrugavani National Park at Chilkur have raised the possibility of prehistoric human activity in the forest landscape surrounding Hyderabad. Historian Dr Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli, who spotted the markings during a safari visit, has called for a scientific investigation to determine their origin and age. The site came to his attention following information provided by B Anand Kumar, administrative officer of the forest department in Rangareddy district.
“Discoveries of this nature deserve careful scientific investigation,” he said, adding that a systematic survey could establish their antiquity and cultural significance. Dyavanapalli urged the department of archaeology and museums to survey both locations, document the markings and examine nearby rock shelters for stone tools, pottery fragments, rock bruisings and other evidence of human activity. He also sought coordination between archaeology and forest officials for scientific assessment, conservation and protection of the sites.