Report of the Archaeological Department, Hyderabad State
By C. S. Srinivasachari
Summary
The Archaeological Department of Hyderabad State's 1923 report highlights significant conservation efforts, particularly the preservation of Ajanta's murals through collaboration with Italian experts. Techniques involved stabilizing peeling frescoes, applying protective cement, removing harmful varnish, and eliminating insects in the plaster. Notable visitors included M. Clemenceau and Tibet scholar Percival Landon. The department also published a Canarese inscription from Munirabad linked to Vikramaditya VI and discovered 367 punch-marked Andhra coins in Khaninnagar. Surveys of Bir District's monuments, including Nizam Shahi structures and the historically significant town of Bir, were conducted, alongside the documentation of a new inscription at Bodhan with Jaina and Saiva relics. Thirty new Muslim inscriptions were unearthed, two of which, dating to Muhammad bin Tughlaq's reign, aid in understanding his history. Additionally, a Sanskrit manuscript titled *Sankaracarya Caritam* was examined, offering insights into the spiritual leader's life through a straightforward, nine-chapter narrative in Anustubh metre, characterized by simplicity and factual clarity. The work, previously overlooked by Sanskrit scholars, reflects Malayalee traditions.
Conclusion
This report underscores the linguistic and historical significance of the terms "Andhra" and "Telugu," clarifying their interconnectedness and evolution. It highlights the deliberate shift by Telugu writers from the Sanskritized "Andhra" to "Telugu" as an assertion of cultural identity, marking a pivotal moment in regional literary history. Concurrently, the Archaeological Department's conservation efforts at Ajanta, involving expert interventions to preserve murals, reflect a commitment to safeguarding heritage. The discovery of inscriptions, coins, and monuments further enriches the historical narrative of the region, bridging gaps in understanding its multifaceted past. Together, these findings and initiatives emphasize the dual focus on linguistic reclamation and archaeological stewardship, essential for contextualizing Hyderabad State's cultural legacy.