Nandi-topped memorial pillars
Hyderabad: Two pairs of Nandi-topped memorial pillars and sati stones documented at Keesaragutta in Medchal-Malkajgiri district could date back to the 14th or 15th centuries and may mark burial sites associated with Shaivite warriors and their families, according to heritage researchers. Sriramoju Haragopal, president of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam, said the warrior’s topknot, or siga, his veerakase attire and the clothing and hairstyles of the women suggest the sculpture dates to the 14th-15th centuries. The depiction commemorates a warrior who died in battle and two women, believed to be his wives, who followed him in self-sacrifice, according to the researchers. Haragopal said such Nandi stones were traditionally associated among Shaivites with acharyas or prabhus, or religious teachers and rulers.
Similar memorial stones have also been documented at Tripurantakam.