The tallest Jain idol in Telangana is threatened by quarrying operations and remains neglected.

• E. Sivanagireddy, archaeologist and CEO of Pleach India Foundation, warns of a threat to Telangana’s tallest stone sculpture of Jain Tirthankara Vardhman Mahavira.

• The sculpture, located in Nangunuru village, is 9 feet high and 3.5 feet wide, depicting Mahavira in a Kayotsarga posture.

• The sculpture, representing the Digambara sect of Jainism, features an ushnisha on the head, dating back to the 9th Century CE.

• The presence of brick bats and potsherds near the sculpture suggests a Jain basadi once existed.

• Mr. Sivanagireddy urges villagers to preserve the sculpture and halt quarrying activity.