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Gollalagudi Temple at Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana, declared as Monument of National Importance through a Gazette notification issued by the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

About Gollalagudi Temple 

It is located at Palampet in Mulugu district, Telangana, southwest of the famous Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.

Historical period: Scholars broadly attribute the temple to the Kakatiya period, particularly the 12th–13th centuries CE. Its exact date and original dedication still require further archaeological and epigraphic research.

Architectural form: The temple follows the Trikutalaya style, characterised by three garbhagrihas or sanctums arranged around an east-facing mandapa.

Sculptural features: The temple displays carved hamsas, ornamental jali work, parapet sculptures and decorated doorways, showing the artistic skill of Kakatiya craftsmen.

Deity sculptures: Wall niches contain images of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini, while detached shrines feature dvarapalas.

Cultural landscape: Gollalagudi forms part of the wider Ramappa cultural landscape, which includes temples, water-management structures, agricultural fields and other architectural remains.

About National Monument Status  

A monument receives “national importance” status when the Central Government formally declares an ancient monument, archaeological site or remains to have significance that warrants central protection and preservation. 

The principal law is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act): Provides the legal framework for preservation, protection and regulation of such monuments.

  • Section 3: Certain monuments already declared under earlier laws are deemed to have national importance under the 1958 Act.

  • Section 4: The Central Government can declare a monument or archaeological site to be of national importance through an Official Gazette notification.

Process of Declaration 

  • Assessment: The Central Government considers its historical, archaeological or artistic importance.

  • Public notice: A notification gives two months for interested persons to submit objections.

  • Final declaration: After considering objections, the Centre may issue a final Gazette notification declaring the site to be of national importance.

  • ASI protection: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) then undertakes preservation and maintenance of centrally protected monuments.

What Changes After the Declaration?

  • Central protection: The monument comes under the central heritage-protection framework.

  • Regulated construction: Development around protected monuments faces restrictions under the AMASR framework.

  • Scientific conservation: ASI undertakes conservation according to the monument's condition and heritage value.

  • Legal protection: Unauthorised construction, excavation or activities damaging protected monuments can attract penalties under the Act.

  • Heritage bye-laws: The National Monuments Authority (NMA) has a role in heritage bye-laws and regulation around centrally protected monuments.  

India had 3,697 ancient monuments and archaeological sites declared to be of national importance. ASI maintains these centrally protected monuments.

Source: THEHINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the 'Gollala Gudi Temple', recently declared a Monument of National Importance, consider the following statements:

1. It is a 13th-century temple complex built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty.

2. It is located in close geographic proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple in Telangana.

3. The temple utilizes traditional Nagara style architecture exclusively, without any southern Dravidian influence.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: 

Statement 1 is correct: The Gollala Gudi Temple is a medieval temple complex broadly attributed to the 12th to 13th centuries CE, constructed during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty. 

Statement 2 is correct: It is located at Palampet in the Mulugu district of Telangana, situated immediately south-west of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa Temple (Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple). 

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kakatiya architecture belongs to the regional Deccan/Vesara tradition, strongly influenced by Later Chalukyan and southern Dravidian elements rather than being exclusively Nagara. Gollala Gudi is built as a classic Deccan Trikutalaya (triple-sanctum plan) with an east-facing mandapa, ardhamandapa, high sculpted jagati (plinth), and characteristic regional motifs like dvarapalas, lathe-turned pillars, and jali screens.