Introduction

• The recent discovery of a Deepastambham (lamp post) and other archaeological findings along the River Krishna in Nalgonda district, Telangana, sheds new light on early medieval trade ties in the region.

Lamp Post and its Structure

• Unique Findings: Archaeologists unearthed a 20-foot tall lamp post with inscription and a small flat-roofed structure near the Krishna river bank in Telangana.
• Rare Artefacts: Lamp posts are uncommon in the Deccan region but are prevalent in temple architecture along the west coast, highlighting the uniqueness of this discovery.
• Historical Context: The lamp post, dated back to June 1635, bears a multilingual inscription in Telugu mixed with Tamil, indicating its dedication to Kasi Viswanatha.
• Functional Significance: Due to its height, the lamp post likely served as a lighthouse along the riverine trade route, facilitating navigation and trade activities.

Significance of Inscriptions

• Historical Documentation: Inscriptions provide valuable insights into the socio-cultural and economic landscape of the region during the early medieval period.
• Cultural Connections: The presence of inscriptions suggests a connection between the local community and wider trade networks, enriching our understanding of historical trade routes.
• Hyderabad Connection: The village’s proximity to Hyderabad, ruled by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, suggests its significance in the regional trade network.
• European Accounts: References by European travellers, such as Jean Baptiste Tavernier, hint at the existence of riverine trade routes alongside land routes during the same period.

Continuity of Trade Routes

• Longstanding Trade Connections: The discovery of an eighth-century inscription from the Badami Chalukya era underscores the village’s role as a vital trade hub over millennia.
• Cultural Exchange: Trade routes facilitated not only economic transactions but also cultural exchanges, shaping the region’s diverse heritage.

Try this PYQ:

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines on India? (CSP 2018)

(a) Francois Bernier

(b) Jean Baptiste Tavernier

(c) Jean de Thevenot

(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre

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