Despair at the Neglect of the Vijayanagara Period Ruins

Tirupati: The remains of a Shiva temple in a centuries-old fort, believed to date back to the Vijayanagara period, continue to lie in disrepair at Sanambatli, a village along the Swarnamukhi River, a tributary that flows into the left bank of the Krishna River in Chandragiri mandal. Tirupati district.

Archaeologist Dr. E. Sivanagi Reddy, CEO of Pleach India Foundation, explored the area guided by information provided by Professor Peta Srinivasulu Reddy, former head of the Department of Telugu at Sri Venkateswara University. His efforts led to the discovery of a stone fortification and a Shiva temple scattered along both banks of the Swarnamukhi River.

Attributing these architectural marvels to the 16th to 18th centuries AD, Dr. Sivanagi Reddy pointed to a fort wall measuring about six feet wide with brickwork sandwiched between two layers of stone.

“This speaks to the architectural ingenuity of that period,” he noted.

The archeologist explained that years of flooding from the Swarnamukhi River had destroyed the building, turning the once majestic fort wall and the remains of the intricately carved temple into ruins. However, one can notice the temple’s exquisitely crafted columns, ceiling slabs and other structural components that reflect the distinctive features of the Vijayanagara style, known for its solid construction and elaborate detailing.