TORCH - Telangana

13/12/2025

As part of efforts to bring Kakatiya-era history closer to tourists, TORCH participated in an official field inspection at Khila Warangal Fort to explore the use of modern technology and Virtual Reality (VR) for heritage interpretation.

The visit was conducted as per the directions of Hon’ble Minister Smt. Konda Surekha, in charge of the Endowments, Environment, and Forest Departments.

The inspection was led by Sri Ranjith Naik, IFS (Hyderabad), In-charge of Eco-Tourism, Telangana, along with Sri Anuj Agarwal, DFO Warangal, Smt. Vijayalakshmi, DRO, and officials from the Archaeology and Tourism Departments.

TORCH remains committed to integrating heritage conservation with technology, ensuring that the legacy of the Kakatiyas is experienced in innovative and engaging ways by future generations.

25/11/2025

Ekaveera Temple — A Forgotten Treasure Set to Rise Again

Ekaveera Temple, long craving for attention, is finally preparing to revisit its glorious past. Just a few kilometres from Warangal city, this 12th-century Kakatiya-era shrine at Mogilicherla (built between 1156–1196 AD) now stands on the verge of collapse due to years of neglect.

Despite being under the protection of the Archaeology Department, the temple has worn an abandoned look. The idol of Goddess Ekaveera Devi is missing, earlier structures lie in ruins, and miscreants believing in hidden treasure dug up the Ardha Mandapam, even using explosives, causing severe structural damage.

In 2012, conservation was attempted with a ₹20 lakh allocation, but land issues stalled progress as the temple sits amidst patta lands cultivated by local farmers.

Historical references like Kase Sarvappa’s Siddeshwara Charitra and Vinukonda Vallabha Rayudu’s Kreedabhiram mention that Rani Rudrama Devi herself visited this temple and performed Pancharatrula Vratham here, adding immense significance to this sacred site.

MP Kadiyam Kavya, MLA Revuri Prakash Reddy, KUDA Chairman Venkatram Reddy, and Collector Satya Sharadha Devi have assured that the temple’s renovation will soon begin with an estimated cost of ₹1.50 crore.

This revival will not only restore Ekaveera Temple to its former glory but also breathe new life into several other long-neglected temples in the region.

Heritage once lost is lost forever revival begins now.

25/10/2025

24/10/2025

నేతకాని బతుకమ్మ

11/09/2025

Banḍhala Rock Art — Unearthed Echoes of the Mesolithic

Discovering Bandhala Rock Art, hidden deep in the forests of Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu district where every etched animal whispers stories from over 5,000 years ago.

Carved during the Mesolithic Age (circa 8000–3000 BCE), this rare rock art features astonishing depictions of wildlife rendered in rich red tones, devoid of human figures or weaponry hinting at a time when nature itself took centre stage in the lives and beliefs of our ancestors.

These remarkable paintings were discovered near Bandala village, close to Ooragutta, alongside an extraordinary Iron Age megalithic site brimming with unique dolmenoid structures each crafted with a distinct architectural flair shaped around its capstone.

Bandhala’s rock art invites us to pause and reflect on a time when humans and wildlife interwove their destinies through art, survival, and spiritual reverence. Let’s celebrate and protect this fragile heritage as we continue exploring the depths of our shared past.

10/09/2025

Devarakonda Fort – A Forgotten Legacy of the Velamas

Nestled amidst rocky hills in Nalgonda district, Telangana, the Devarakonda Fort stands as a timeless guardian of history. Built in the 13th–14th centuries by the Velama rulers, this fort was once a stronghold of power, art, and culture.

Surrounded by seven hills and fortified walls, the fort’s natural defences made it nearly impregnable in its time.
Ancient temples, gateways, and water reservoirs inside still whisper stories of its glorious past.
Today, it remains a hidden heritage gem, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Telangana’s warrior traditions.

Devarakonda is not just a fort it’s a symbol of resilience, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Kakatiya-Velama legacy.

Location: Devarakonda, Nalgonda District, Telangana

28/08/2025

సింహాచలం దేవాలయ మెట్ల మార్గంలో ఉండే చాకి ధార, చక్ర ధార దగ్గరి వినాయక శిల్పాలు.

Vinayaka sculptures near Chaki Dhara and Chakra Dhara on the Simhachalam temple steps.

ସିହ୍ cha ାଲାମ ମନ୍ଦିରର ପାହାଚରେ ଠାକୁରା ଏବଂ ଚକ୍ର ଧାରା ନିକଟରେ ବିନୟାକ ମୂର୍ତ୍ତି |

19/08/2025

Sir Arthur Cotton Museum – Dowleswaram, Rajahmundry

Step into history where engineering meets heritage!

Inaugurated on 25th February 1988 by the then Chief Minister Sri N. T. Rama Rao, the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum stands as a tribute to the legendary engineer who transformed the Godavari region with his mighty anicut.

What you’ll find here:
🔹 Rare models & machinery used in constructing the Godavari anicut
🔹 True-to-size old anicut model with rail tracks & lifting machines
🔹 Exhibits of irrigation works & advanced engineering of the barrage
🔹 Statue of Sir Arthur Cotton on horseback & a serene fountain
🔹 Beautiful lawns & gardens adding charm to the museum

Students, tourists, and engineers from across India and abroad visit this one-of-a-kind Civil Engineering Museum to witness the vision and commitment of engineers—past and present.

If you’re in Rajahmundry, this is a must-visit to understand how one man’s vision turned barren lands into the rice bowl of Andhra Pradesh.

08/07/2025

https://youtu.be/jUGbk4MgS1A?si=XaU2-4ZEwfO0bRq9

Step into the vibrant world of Telangana’s Nakashi artists as they bring tiger masks to life for the traditional Puli Vesham performances during Muharram and...

30/06/2025

https://youtu.be/P5YWS1bNsgc?si=F7k7AZW1fri6_mE2

Did you know Warangal Fort in Telangana holds a forgotten chapter of Odisha’s history? In this video, we explore rare 15th-century inscriptions found on the ...

18/06/2025

Ruins That Whisper History- Nagulapadu Temples

Nagulapadu Telangana – a forgotten gem of Deccan history. Located 25 km south of Suryapet on the banks of the Musi River, this ancient town holds the ruins o...

18/06/2025

Telugu Persian Inscription from 1551 | Ibrahim Qutb Shah’s Forgotten Water Project

Explore the rare 16th-century bilingual inscription in Telugu and Persian from Panagallu, Nalgonda, which was built during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah (15...