Moddugutta Rock Paintings
Last updated: July 07, 2026
Photo: DeccanChronicle.
Imagine standing inside a rock shelter where prehistoric artists once painted their world.
At Moddugutta, in the Bandlapahad forest area of Mulugu district, recent reporting has documented
anthropomorphic figures, deer, bulls and other animal motifs, together with geometric designs.
The wider rock-art landscape includes Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta.
The reported paintings are associated by researchers with a broad prehistoric sequence extending from
Mesolithic through Neolithic and Megalithic contexts.
Recent reports describe a broad chronological span of approximately 10,000 to 1,000 years ago,
although individual paintings cannot be assigned precise dates without site-specific archaeological dating.
Some paintings have been affected by natural weathering, which has made portions of the imagery indistinct.
The surviving figures nevertheless provide valuable evidence for understanding prehistoric artistic expression
in the forests of present-day Telangana.
10,000
Years Ago · Broad Range
Anthropomorphic
Human-like Figures
Deer & Bulls
Animal Depictions
Red + White
Reported Pigments
1
The Artwork · A Prehistoric Bestiary
Animals, humans, and symbols — painted on rock shelters in the prehistoric landscape of Mulugu.
Rock Art
Animal & Human Figures · Deer, Bulls, Anthropomorphs
Human-like figures · Deer · Bulls · Tortoises · Foxes · Wild buffaloes · Geometric designs
The rock shelters associated with Moddugutta contain a varied body of prehistoric imagery.
Recent reporting identifies anthropomorphic figures as an important feature, alongside
deer, bulls, tortoises, foxes and
wild buffaloes.
Some human-like figures are described as having raised arms and elaborate decorative patterns.
Their exact meaning — whether ritual, symbolic, social or otherwise — remains a matter for archaeological interpretation
and should not be presented as established fact.
Geometric designs and lines are also reported among the imagery.
Their specific meaning has not been securely established and should not automatically be interpreted as territorial,
clan or cosmological symbols.
Reported pigments: Predominantly red, with some white paintings also reported
2
Cultural Periods · Mesolithic to Megalithic
The reported rock-art landscape is associated with multiple prehistoric cultural contexts.
Approximately 10,000 to 1,000 Years Ago · Broad Reported Range
Researchers and recent reports associate the rock-art locations at
Moddugutta, Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta with three broad cultural contexts:
-
Mesolithic context:
The earliest reported phase is associated with hunter-gatherer communities and prehistoric animal and human imagery.
-
Neolithic context:
Later prehistoric communities are associated with continued rock-art production and changing artistic traditions.
-
Megalithic context:
The later prehistoric/Iron Age phase represents a much more recent period than the earliest rock art.
The broad sequence should not be interpreted as proof that every painting can be assigned to one of these periods.
The 10,000-to-1,000-year figure represents a broad reported chronological range for the archaeological
landscape rather than a precise scientific date for every individual painting.
Source context: Recent reporting citing prehistoric-rock-art researchers and PRIHAH
3
Thematic Content · Telangana's Rock Art Tradition
Regional Context
Moddugutta forms part of a wider prehistoric rock-art tradition in Telangana.
The imagery reported from the Bandlapahad forest area includes:
- Animal figures: deer, bulls, tortoises, foxes and wild buffaloes
- Human and anthropomorphic figures
- Geometric designs and lines
- Red and white painted imagery
Animal imagery is an important component of the reported paintings.
However, interpretations concerning hunting practices or the symbolic meaning of particular animals should be treated
as hypotheses unless supported by specific archaeological evidence.
4
Nearby Rock Art Sites · Darvajalagutta & Nemaligutta
A Cluster of Prehistoric Rock-Art Locations
Moddugutta, Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta are reported as part of the prehistoric rock-art landscape
in the Bandlapahad forest area of Mulugu district.
Recent reporting describes paintings at these hillocks featuring human-like figures and animals,
including deer, bulls, tortoises, foxes and wild buffaloes, together with lines and geometric designs.
The reported chronology extends across broad Mesolithic, Neolithic and Megalithic contexts.
Because the individual shelters and paintings may not all belong to the same period, they should be studied as
components of a wider archaeological landscape rather than as a single contemporaneous gallery.
Location: Bandlapahad forest area, Mulugu District, Telangana
5
Visitor Information
📍 Location & Access
Moddugutta Rock-Art Area
Bandlapahad forest area, Mulugu District, Telangana, India
Nearest Major Town:
Mulugu
Recent reporting places the rock-art discoveries in the Bandlapahad forest area at approximately
30 km from Mulugu town.
The locations are situated in forested terrain. Exact final road approaches and trail conditions should be
confirmed locally before travelling.
🕐 Timings & Preparation
Official Timings:
No authoritative public visitor timetable was identified for the archaeological locations.
Entry Fee:
No authoritative published entry-fee schedule was identified.
Preparation:
Carry drinking water and food, wear sturdy footwear, and prepare for uneven forest terrain.
Season:
Cooler and drier months are generally more comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Check current weather and local access conditions before travelling.
🚗 How to Reach
From Mulugu:
Travel toward the Bandlapahad forest area and obtain current local directions to Moddugutta and the
relevant rock-art locations.
From Warangal:
Travel toward Mulugu and continue toward the Bandlapahad/Tadvai area. The final approach should be
confirmed locally because the archaeological locations are situated in forested terrain.
From Hyderabad:
Travel toward Warangal and Mulugu before continuing toward the Bandlapahad forest area.
Allow additional time for the final local approach.
Local Access:
A local guide familiar with the archaeological locations and current forest-access conditions is strongly recommended.
Exact trek duration and road-head distances should not be assumed without current local information.
6
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day
1-Day Prehistoric Art Circuit
- Morning: Travel toward Mulugu and the Bandlapahad forest area.
- Late Morning: With appropriate local guidance and subject to access conditions, explore Moddugutta and its reported rock-art features.
- Afternoon: Visit Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta if access and local conditions permit.
- Later: Return toward Mulugu or Warangal.
- Optional: Combine the journey with a verified heritage destination in the Mulugu–Warangal region.
Allow flexible timings because access to remote archaeological locations may vary.
2-Day "Deccan Rock Art" Circuit
-
Day 1:
Travel from Hyderabad or Warangal toward Mulugu and explore the Moddugutta–Darvajalagutta–Nemaligutta
rock-art landscape with appropriate local guidance.
-
Day 2:
Visit another established archaeological or heritage destination in the wider region, such as
Pandavula Gutta, Warangal Fort or the Thousand Pillar Temple,
depending on route and available time.
Nearby Attractions – Heritage & Nature
Extend your journey beyond Moddugutta with these heritage and nature destinations.
Distances vary according to the exact starting point.
7
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
- Mulugu: A practical base for exploring the surrounding region.
- Warangal: Offers a wider range of hotels and other accommodation.
- Forest Areas: Do not assume that government or forest accommodation is available without advance confirmation.
Food & Tips
- Carry sufficient drinking water and food for remote archaeological locations.
- Regular food services are more readily available in Mulugu and Warangal.
- Do not leave plastic or other waste at archaeological or forest locations.
8
Travel Tips & Safety
Wear sturdy shoes – forest terrain can be rocky and uneven
Carry sufficient drinking water
Carry food and essential supplies for remote areas
Use a local guide familiar with the archaeological locations
Check weather, forest conditions and access permissions before travelling
No plastics – carry back all waste
Stay alert in forest terrain and do not approach wildlife
Pro tip: Natural weathering has made some of the reported paintings indistinct.
Do not touch, wet, chalk, paint or otherwise alter the rock paintings.
Photograph the artwork without physically interacting with the rock surface.
9
Conservation Concern
Conservation note: Prehistoric rock paintings are fragile and irreplaceable.
Recent reporting indicates that natural weathering has already made some figures indistinct.
Human interference can further damage painted surfaces.
Visitors should not touch, wet, chalk, paint or carve on the rocks.
They should also avoid climbing on or disturbing archaeological features and should carry all waste away from the site.
Suggested measures: Systematic documentation, archaeological assessment, appropriate signage,
conservation monitoring and controlled access where necessary can help protect the rock-art landscape.
10
Conclusion · A Window into the Prehistoric Deccan
"The rock shelters of Moddugutta and the surrounding Bandlapahad landscape preserve a remarkable record of prehistoric artistic expression in Telangana."
Whether you are an archaeology enthusiast, a history student, a
photographer, or a curious traveller, Moddugutta offers an opportunity to
encounter a little-known part of Telangana's prehistoric heritage.
The reported imagery — including anthropomorphic figures, deer, bulls and other animals —
belongs to a wider archaeological landscape that includes Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta.
Researchers have associated the landscape with a broad sequence extending from Mesolithic through Neolithic
and Megalithic contexts.
The safest way to experience the site is with appropriate local guidance and respect for archaeological conservation.
Visitors should avoid touching or disturbing the paintings and should confirm current access conditions before travelling.
11
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old are the Moddugutta paintings?
A: Recent reporting associates the wider Moddugutta–Darvajalagutta–Nemaligutta rock-art landscape with
a broad range of approximately 10,000 to 1,000 years ago. Individual paintings should not
be assigned exact dates without site-specific archaeological evidence.
Q: What animals are depicted?
A: Reported animal motifs include deer, bulls, tortoises, foxes and wild buffaloes.
Q: Are there human figures?
A: Yes. Recent reporting specifically identifies anthropomorphic or human-like figures
among the paintings.
Q: Is the site protected?
A: The available reporting does not establish a current formal protected-monument status for the
Moddugutta rock-art locations. Visitors should nevertheless treat the paintings as fragile archaeological heritage.
Q: How do I reach Moddugutta?
A: The rock-art locations are in the Bandlapahad forest area of Mulugu district, approximately
30 km from Mulugu town according to recent reporting. The final approach should be confirmed locally.
Q: Are there other rock-art sites nearby?
A: Yes. Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta are reported as part of the same
wider rock-art landscape.
Sources & Further Reading
-
Recent Reporting:
The New Indian Express – Stone Age rock art dating back 10,000 years found in Mulugu
.
-
Recent Reporting:
Deccan Chronicle – Reports on prehistoric rock paintings in the Mulugu forest landscape, including Moddugutta,
Darvajalagutta and Nemaligutta.
-
Recent Reporting:
Times of India – Reports on prehistoric rock art and human-like figures discovered in the Mulugu forests.
-
Academic Context:
Telangana prehistoric rock-art research and reporting concerning Mesolithic, Neolithic and Megalithic contexts.
-
Government Heritage Context:
Telangana Department of Archaeology and Museums and district-level heritage information.