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 Then Pennai, 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 Gandirajan 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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