An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s7.1

v1.c17.s7.1

Hero-stones, *chāyā stambhas* or memorial columns, are mostly free-standing stone columns, although at NAGARJUNAKONDA a few of them might have stood close to some pillared hall or the other, possibly a wayside rest house [cf. 12.3.1]. At that place they are generally tetragonal in section and are invariably inscribed and carved. They were erected to commemorate the death of some important personage and came to be known as *chāyā* (image)-*stambhas* as they provided veritable images of the life and activities of the hero. Apart from their high artistic attainment, the *chāyā-stambhas* provide interesting evidence on the social and cultural history of s. India almost up to the present times.