A multi-year restoration project of a 12th-century Kakatiya Trikuta temple in Telangana’s Mulugu district has led to a breakthrough in understanding ancient engineering. Conservationists dismantled a crumbling section of the base to find a sophisticated 'sand-siphon' foundation system, designed to dissipate seismic energy through alternating layers of processed sand and granite rubble.
The restoration has also uncovered hidden granite inscriptions detailing the temple's dedication by a local commander and its role as a regional granary. The temple's three sanctums, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya, are being meticulously cleaned using non-invasive laser technology to reveal original pigment traces on the ornate soapstone pillars.