ARCHAEOLOGICAL
EXCAVATION AT PAJJUR
The
Early Historic Site of Pajjur
The
Early Historic Site of Pajjur, located in the Thipparthy Mandal of
Nalgonda District, is a significant archaeological discovery that provides deep
insights into the transition from prehistoric cultures to organized early
historic civilizations in Telangana. Spanning 35 acres, the site features a
prominent habitational mound locally known as ‘Pativara’ or ‘Pati
Dibba’, situated near the Varrivagu stream.
Historical Context & Heritage
The
Pajjur region is part of a rich archaeological landscape along the Krishna
River valley, which has shown continuous human activity from the Palaeolithic
and Neolithic periods.
- The Early Historic Phase:
The site rose to prominence during the Satavahana (2nd century BCE)
and Ikshvaku periods.
- Trade & Influence:
The discovery of Roman coins in the broader region, associated with these
dynasties, highlights active maritime trade with the Roman Empire during
the early centuries of the Common Era.
- Successive Dynasties:
Following the Ikshvakus, the region was governed by the Vishnukundins,
and subsequently influenced by the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kakatiyas, and
several medieval powers, ending with the Asaf Jahis.
Archaeological Excavations (2015-16)
The
Department of Heritage Telangana conducted excavations at Pajjur to investigate
the structural and cultural patterns of the early inhabitants. Key findings
include:
- Buddhist Architecture:
The excavations revealed substantial brick structures, including an apsidal
Chaitya Griha. The presence of these architectural remains suggests
that Pajjur was once a major Buddhist establishment.
- Epigraphic Evidence:
A critical surface find included inscribed black polished pot sherds
bearing Brahmi characters reading ‘Bu – dhi – Sa’, dated to
the 2nd century CE.
- Antiquities:
The site yielded a diverse collection of cultural material, such as:
- Terracotta & Glass:
Human and animal figurines, terracotta beads, and glass beads.
- Jewelry:
Shell bangle pieces and semi-precious stone beads.
- Ceramics:
A wide range of Black and Red ware sherds typical of the early historic
period.
Objectives & Chronology
The
primary scope of the excavation was to develop a comprehensive understanding of
the early history of Telangana, specifically focusing on the architectural
remains and the art style prevalent in the Nalgonda region.
- Tentative Dating:
By applying a correlative dating method—comparing structural styles and
cultural materials with nearby historic sites—archaeologists have
tentatively dated the Pajjur site to the 3rd – 4th Century CE.
Visitor Information
- Location:
14 km from Nalgonda District Headquarters and approximately 115 km from
Hyderabad.
- Significance:
Pajjur stands as a vital link in understanding the Buddhist heritage and
the urban evolution of the Krishna Valley during the early centuries of
the Common Era.