Art work fast losing sheen

Locals used sandstone plate to lay a path to temple area

A RAY OF HOPE:Archaeology Department has taken a keen interest in the work with an official saying efforts will be made to conserve it.

: A rare work of art on a sandstone plate is being disturbed by walkers at Pedda Kallepalli village on the bank of the River Krishna in Krishna district.

Unaware of its artistic value, locals used the sandstone plate to lay a path to the Durga Malleswara temple area. The art work is fast disappearing in the absence of conservation. At present, the bottom part of the stone, measuring 2X 2 feet, has been disturbed but the rest of the work is clearly visible.

Onlookers would be bowled over by the portrayal — a woman welcoming the visitors. The white lines drawn on the plate accentuate the beauty of the work.

Over to experts

Thankfully, Endowments Department authorities noticed the art work during their recent visit to the temple. “I came across the work while I was walking over it. I have photographed it. I will show it to experts to establish its historicity. Attempts are being made to conserve it,” Anjaneya Swami, a senior Endowments Department official, told The Hindu .

Andhra University Geology Department professor N. Subba Rao told

The Hindu such sandstone blocks could be found in West Godavari and Kadapa districts. “Going by the appearance of the woman, one could say that the work is similar to the ones that could be seen in Hindu temples,” he added.