23rd
June 2019.
The main
purpose of this visit was to see the approximately 8000-year-old prehistoric Petroglyph or
the engravings of Edakkal Caves in Kerala. These two Caves are on Ambukuthi
Hill near Ambalavayil in Wayanad District of Kerala State, erstwhile Malabar
State, which is about 12 km from Sultan Bathery. The site consists of two caves, one above the
other at a height of 1200 meters above MSL. The visit to the bottom cave was
closed. The top cave was formed by three rocks (Two rocks and a big rock in
between), hence called Edakkal (idaikal – இடைக்கல்).
As per the legend, this hill, Ambukuthi Hill, was formed by the shooting of arrows by
Sri Ram’s sons Lava & Kusha. And Surpanakha was killed on this hill by Sri
Ram.
The
caves have the engravings / Petroglyphs of the Neolithic period. Experts are of the
opinion that this Petroglyph belongs to 6000 BCE. The petroglyph depicts human beings, animals like Elephants and deer, carts with Wheels, hand tools, symbols, etc. It throws light
on the culture and habits of Neolithic human beings. The males and females are shown wearing crown-like arrangements on their heads. This petroglyph is the largest one in South
India.
In addition
to the Petroglyph, Old Tamizhi (Brahmi
– 1800 years old), Sanskrit, and Vattezhuthu (6th Century) inscriptions
are found. The 12th to 14th
Century Tamil inscription reads as “Palpuli Thathakari” (பல்புலிதத்தகாரி) (there is a place, Pulpally is still there in Wayanad District). The Tamizhi (Brahmi) inscription says “Chera“ (“கடுமி புதசேர”) (This place was known as Chera Nadu before the 14th
Century). Archaeologist Natana Kasinathan identified “O Pazhami" (ஒ பழமி) (means “பழையோள்,” the
earliest Tamil Goddess) as a Tamil inscription. In 2012, a Tamil Brahmi / Tamizhi inscription was
also identified.
This cave was identified in 1890 CE by F. Fawcett,
Superintendent of Police of erstwhile Malabar District. In addition to the
masonry steps, Stainless steel steps
are provided to climb up the hill.
CAUTION:
Visiting the caves is a combination of trekking on the
hill and climbing stainless steel steps. Hence, those who are suffering from
Heart problems are advised not to venture.
CAVE VISITING HOURS:
Visitors are allowed between 08.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs, and the
holidays are all Mondays, Republic Day, May Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanthi, and Thiruvonam.
HOW TO REACH:
The
trekking distance is about 3 km.
12 km from Sultan Bathery
The Edakkal Caves may be easily approached through Gundlupet (Night hours are permitted travel on this
road is permitted due to animal movement). Karnataka is 70 km, Kozhikode 110 km, and
103 km from Ooty.
LOCATION OF THE CAVE:
11°37′28.81″N and 76°14′8.88″E -- CLICK HERE
A Cart with a wheel
A Lady on a cart
An elephant
The neolithic tools
Edakkal - இடைகல்( the center one )
The Team
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
The figures appear dressed in elaborate garments and in formal groups.Are similar examples of these figures present in any other archaeological context in the area?
ReplyDelete