Stones of Transcendence: Iconography and Symbolism of Heroic Commemoration in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

This paper examines the iconography and symbolic components of a Hero Stone (Viragal) found in Andhra Pradesh, contextualizing it within the wider South Indian tradition of commemorating monuments. The research analyzes the monument's visual narrative by examining its compositional layers, figures, movements, and motifs, uncovering a multifaceted interplay between martial courage and spiritual transcendence. The paper adopts a thematic iconography based on the methods to visualize the hero’s transformation from a mortal warrior elevated to the status of a divine celestial being. The research analyses how weapons, animals, the hero’s transformation as a celestial being serve as visual metaphors for dharma, tyaga (sacrifice) and collective memory.The paper examines the Viragal art historically bringing the stylistic aspects along with the historical notations across dynasties such as the Chalukyan, Kakatiya and Vijayanagara Iconography. The paper affirms that the tradition of hero stones in Andhra Pradesh serve as memorials for commemoration of the deceased warrior, but also as sacred relics connecting history and mythology.