In Tellapur, a small village near Hyderabad, lies a stone that carries the first known reference to Telangana. This rock inscription, carved on January 8, 1418 AD, uses the word “Telumganapuram”—an early form of today’s Telangana.

But this priceless piece of history is fast disappearing. Time, rain, and neglect are slowly erasing the words. If nothing is done, this marker of Telangana’s identity could vanish forever.

The History Behind the Stone

• The inscription was created over 600 years ago during the Bahmani rule.
• It records the building of a well and a stepwell for the army.
• It names Nagoju, an artisan who made golden ornaments for the queen.
• The scribe who wrote it was Rudroju Sirigiroju.

For historians, this stone is proof that the idea of Telangana is much older than modern politics. It is a bridge between past and present, showing how names, places, and communities lived centuries ago.

Why This Matters

• Identity: This is not just a rock. It is the first written evidence of Telangana’s name.
• Heritage: It connects us to the people, artisans, and rulers of the 15th century.
• Urgency: Locals say the letters were far clearer even 20 years ago. Today, they are fading fast.

As archaeologist Emani Siva Nagi Reddy says:
“This inscription is tangible proof that the identity of Telangana predates its modern political formation.”

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The Threat

• Weather damage: Monsoons wash away the carvings year after year.
• Urban growth: Buildings and roads around Tellapur add pressure.
• Neglect: No protective cover, no proper board, no official care.

The graveyard where it lies, named after Habeeb Hasan Habshi, has no signs to guide visitors. For most people, it looks like just another old stone.

What Can Be Done

1. Protect it: A simple shelter and fence can stop further damage.
2. Record it: High-resolution photography and 3D scans can save the details.
3. Inform people: Clear boards and online awareness can bring attention.
4. Government action: The Archaeology Department must act before it is too late.

Why This Story Deserves Attention

When a 600-year-old inscription vanishes, we lose more than words. We lose memory. We lose a piece of our shared culture.

If we let it fade, future generations will only hear stories, without proof that Telangana’s name stood strong centuries ago.

Bottom Line

Heritage is not just found in museums. It lives in small villages, in stones by the roadside, and in forgotten corners. The Tellapur inscription is one such treasure.

We must protect it now, before nature and neglect erase it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Tellapur inscription?

It is a 600-year-old rock inscription found in Tellapur village near Hyderabad. It carries the earliest known reference to Telangana, written as “Telumganapuram” in 1418 AD.

2. Why is the Tellapur inscription important?

It is the first written proof of the name Telangana. It shows that the region’s identity existed centuries before the modern state was formed.

3. Who created the Tellapur inscription?

The inscription was made during the Bahmani rule. It records the work of an artisan named Nagoju, who built a well and stepwell, and was written by a scribe named Rudroju Sirigiroju.

4. What threats does the inscription face today?

The stone is exposed to heavy rains, urban construction, and complete neglect. Without protection, the carvings are fading fast.

5. What can be done to save the inscription?

Experts recommend building a protective shelter, recording it with 3D scans, installing signboards, and involving the Archaeology Department to ensure long-term preservation.

(Featured Image taken from Facebook)