Discovery of Three New Gadhegals in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra

Author(s)	Mr. Milnath Sitaram Patere
Country	India
Abstract	Gadhegals, also known as “ass-curse stones,” are unique sculptural artifacts primarily found in Maharashtra, with examples also documented in Goa and Gujarat. These stone pillars, often inscribed with legal or land grant texts, are characterized by a distinctive three-panel structure. The upper panel typically features symbols such as the sun and moon, denoting the permanence of the decree, while the lower panel depicts graphic imagery of bestiality, representing severe curses for violations. This paper explores the iconography, historical significance, and regional variations of Gadhegals, with a focus on recent discoveries in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, and examines their role as territorial markers, legal instruments, and sacred objects of veneration.
Keywords	Gadhegal, Ratnagiri, Punas, Pawas, Gadadu Dev, Koldhe, Chavhata.
Field	Arts
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On	2025-07-08
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.50443
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9s9jz

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