Ringing Rocks Reveal Telangana’s Pre-History

Hyderabad: A unique soundscape resonates from a stunning geological wonder, a rare wonder stretching for over 25 km along the borders of Jangoan and Siddipet districts. Known as “Ringing Rocks,” these sound-making stones fascinate locals and visitors by creating a clear bell-like sound when struck. The formations include villages like Veerannpet and Chunchanakota in Jangoan and Bonakollur, Bandnagaram and Katkur in Siddipet.

Formed about 200 million years ago from volcanic lava rich in ferric oxide, their density creates fascinating sounds that reflect ancient mysteries, according to historians. Experts state that the different tone is due to the ferric oxide composition of the rocks, classifying them as a natural percussion musical instrument (lithophones that produce idiophonic sounds). This acoustic mystery draws comparisons to famous global sites such as the Musical Stones of Skiddaw in England and Ringing Rocks Park in Pennsylvania, a protected public park in the US.

The 3-6 meter high rocks bear traces of human history: Stone Age axes, Neolithic tool sharpening grooves, Satavahana tools, Kakatiya hero stones (Veragallu), petroglyphs and Telangana’s largest engraving at Veerannapet. Heaps of man-made stones as burial mounds called ‘Rakasi gullu’ dot the landscape, while Bonakollur’s Narayanswamy Temple features Garuda and shankha-chakra carvings on rocks. “These are not just stones; these are nature’s orchestra playing melodies from prehistory,” said local historian and retired lecturer Dr DN Swamy.

The local community expresses deep pride in this event. “Hearing the rocks sing was magical, something people here had heard but never really understood,” said Lakshmi, a resident of Bonakollur. Dr Swamy believes the stones have undocumented cultural and ritual significance: “Such sites often influenced ancient community rituals and can reveal untold stories of Telangana’s heritage.”

Local environmentalist Sarveshwar Reddy calls on the government to take swift action for sustainable tourism. “Preserving this 25km-long area as a heritage park will preserve geological uniqueness and benefit local livelihoods by promoting eco-tourism.”

A petition circulating among villagers and experts urges the Telangana government to declare the area a heritage park. If preserved and promoted, these ringing rocks (nature’s enigmatic musicians) can place Telangana on the global map of audio wonders, attracting researchers, tourists and cultural enthusiasts to listen, learn and celebrate this unique audio heritage.