Serzeqy at 05:30, 10 August 2025

2025-08-10T05:30:10Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{refimprove|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox cave
| name = Guttikonda Bilam
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| map = India Andhra Pradesh
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| location = Guttikonda, [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]
| coords = {{coord|16.395|N|79.828|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
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| depth =
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| elevation = 157 m
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'''Guttikonda Bilam''', also known as '''Guthikonda Bilam''', is a historic cave and a hill in [[Piduguralla]] Mandal, [[Palnadu]] District of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]. Guttikonda or Guthikonda is the name of a nearby village, while "Bilam" is the [[Sanskrit]] word for "cave". There are several caves in the region, collectively known as "Guthikonda Caves"; Guttikonda Bilam is the most well-known of these caves.<ref>[http://guntur.nic.in/guthikonda_caves.html Guntur District], National Informatics Centre</ref>

The cave is located around 3 km south of the Guttikonda village, which lies 15 km from [[Piduguralla]], in the [[Palnadu district]].{{cn|date=October 2020}}

== History ==

Guttikonda Bilam is often called "Dakshina Kasi" by the locals. The cave is believed to have been used by sages for meditation. A copper sword found at the site suggests it was occupied in the [[Chalcolithic|Chalcolithic period]]. Memorials for People's War activists, including a portrait of [[Charu Majumdar|Charu Mazumdar]] were erected in the cave. It has a simple stone arch at the entrance and shallow water inside.<ref>{{Cite book| last1=Rao| first1=Dr. P. Purnachandra | title=Chronicle of Guntur District Tourism| year=2023| publisher=[[Acharya Nagarjuna University]]| edition= 1| location=Guntur| page=38}}</ref>

== Discovery of Cave Fauna ==
In 2008, Dr. Shabuddin Shaik, a [[biospeleology|biospeleologist]] and faculty member at [[Acharya Nagarjuna University]], made a significant discovery in Guttikonda Cave. While conducting research, he accidentally disturbed a pool of clear water, which became milky with tiny creatures. Upon further investigation, Shaik identified the micro-crustacean as a previously unknown species. This new species was named Andhracoides shabuddin in his honor. Shaik’s discoveries highlight the rich biodiversity hidden in Indian caves, much of which remains unexplored. His research sheds light on the evolution of various life forms and boosts taxonomy and biodiversity studies in India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=G. Venkataramana |date=2018-09-20 |title=Zoological Society of London honour for A.P. scientist |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/zoological-society-of-london-honour-for-ap-scientist/article24999844.ece |access-date=2024-10-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Caves of Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Articles expanded in Collaboration with ANU, Guntur]]

Guttikonda Bilam - Revision history

Serzeqy at 05:30, 10 August 2025