HYDERABAD — The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced a conservation project on Tuesday to restore the Dwarapalas, the stone guardian figures that flank the entrance of the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanumakonda, Telangana. The move follows a series of assessments that identified weathering and structural stress on the statues, which date back to the Kakatiya period of the 12th century.
Project scope and timeline
The ASI team will undertake cleaning, consolidation and selective replacement of eroded stone sections on the eight Dwarapalas that mark the temple’s main gateway. Work is scheduled to continue for six months, with periodic reviews by heritage‑conservation experts to ensure that interventions respect the original craftsmanship. The agency has allocated resources from its annual heritage‑preservation budget, though the exact financial outlay was not disclosed in the release.
Historical significance of the monument
Built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, the Thousand Pillar Temple is renowned for its intricate stonework, including a series of finely carved pillars that give the complex its name. The Dwarapalas, each carved in a distinct style, historically served both a protective and symbolic function, embodying the temple’s spiritual guardianship. Preservation of these figures is considered essential to maintaining the architectural integrity of the site, which attracts scholars and tourists alike.
Conservation methodology
According to the ASI’s project brief, conservators will first document the current condition of each Dwarapala using high‑resolution photography and 3D scanning. The data will guide the selection of compatible lime‑based mortars and stone adhesives that match the original material composition. Where necessary, artisans will carve replacement blocks from locally sourced stone that mirrors the hue and grain of the original fabric.
Coordination with local authorities
The restoration effort is being coordinated with the Telangana State Department of Archaeology and Museums, which has pledged logistical support and facilitated access to the site. Officials from the department noted that the project aligns with the state’s broader heritage‑preservation agenda, which includes regular monitoring of monuments vulnerable to urban encroachment and environmental degradation.
Public access and safety measures
During the six‑month restoration window, the temple’s main entrance will remain partially closed to the public to ensure worker safety and prevent accidental damage to the statues. The ASI has installed temporary barriers and signage to guide visitors to alternative entry points. A schedule for phased reopening will be communicated through the department’s official channels once critical milestones are achieved.
Expert commentary on the restoration
Heritage‑conservation specialists have highlighted the importance of using traditional techniques alongside modern scientific tools. The project’s emphasis on minimal intervention reflects a growing consensus among archaeologists that preserving original fabric should take precedence over extensive reconstruction.
Future preservation plans
The ASI’s initiative forms part of a larger program to address structural vulnerabilities across several Kakatiya‑era monuments in the region. Officials indicated that similar restoration activities are planned for the nearby Ramappa Temple and the Warangal Fort, pending the completion of detailed condition surveys.
Community response
Local residents and temple devotees expressed approval of the restoration, citing concerns that unchecked weathering could eventually lead to irreversible loss of the Dwarapalas’ artistic details. Community groups have offered to assist with awareness campaigns and volunteer monitoring once the work is underway.
Monitoring and reporting
The ASI will submit quarterly progress reports to the Ministry of Culture, which will be made available on the agency’s website. These reports will include photographic documentation, technical assessments and any adjustments to the conservation plan based on field observations.
