Context

A newly-discovered Deepastambham (lamp post) on the edge of River Krishna in Nalgonda district casts a fresh light on trade ties in the region in early medieval times.

What has been found?

• Archaeologists have found the 20-foot tall pillar with hollows for lamps and a multi-lingual inscription in Mudimanikyam village of Nalgonda in Telangana.
• The pillar is on a slope from the village leading to the river bank.
• While Dhwajasthambam (flag poles) are part of temple architecture, lamp posts are rare in the Deccan while they are common in temples in the west coast including Goa. 
• Age: Based on the inscription engraved on the lamp post, the pillar can be dated to June 1635.
• Inscription: It is written in Telugu mixed with Tamil language.
• It is dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha and because of its height, it would have served as a lighthouse on the riverine trade route.
• The site is around 210 kilometres from Golconda Fort, where Qutub Shahis ruled Golconda.