24th
& 25th August 2019.
The
two days Visit was mainly focused on Rock arts in the natural caves / shelters
around Kaveripattinam and Krishnagiri. During our visit we had visited 9
natural shelters / hills, where red and white ocher are found. Unlike the
Kilvali, Alambadi, Settavarai, Nehanur Patti ( Neganur Patti ) near Villupuram on the banks of river Thenpennai, these shelters are natural caves
formed by the rocks and part of the hills. The presence of white and red ochre
rock arts indicates that these shelters are used continuously and the red
ochre is considered more than 10 thousand years old. Some of the shelters are spacious and some are
very small. These shelters are facing an open area so that the movements of
animal, other groups can be watched. A very important point is the shelter will
be close to water sources with easy access.
The
artists records the animals that they had seen, ( like Horses, Tiger),
birds, reptiles like snakes, scorpions,
celebrations ( a rhythmic dancing ),
hunting of animals, fight between the groups, the cultural activities, sun, Lamps
( Pandil lamps ), patterns, symbols, designs etc,. Since the caves / shelters
are used continuously, the rock arts may belongs to different periods.
JAGATHAB ROCK ARTS
This
shelter is almost on the plains. About 20 feet in length white ochre painting
is found. This rock art consists of rhythmic dancing of males and females in
two groups. Also there are many square patterns are drawn. Experts are on the
opinion that this may be cattle pounds. In another group three pairs of men are
fighting with each other. Some damru like symbols, Sun with rays ( eyes- Mouth
) and some fertile symbols are also drawn. Some of the men and women’s faces
are drawn side wards.
As
per Mr Gandhirajan an expert is of the opinion that these rock arts are special
since the images are realistic with abstract designs and decorative motifs.
The
sad part of this shelter with rock art is in the verge of extinction due to
granite quarrying. Since the shelter is on the plains and easily reachable,
miscreants had laid their hands in scribbling, drawing new arts, their names
etc. Request visitors not to ruin the prehistoric rock arts and Govt /
Archaeological Dept to protect the same.
A rhythmic dance by women
A rhythmic dance by men
A fighting rock art
ELUMICHANAHALLI ROCK ARTS
This
shelter is almost on plains and narrow
in width. On the walls white ochre rock paintings are found. The Rock art
contains a man with tiger, Snake with hood ( Cobra ), A man riding on horse, A
man with a stick and some designs.
---OM
SHIVAYA NAMA---
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