Rock paintings, also known as pictographs, and petroglyphs are some of the oldest known forms of human art. These art forms are created by making marks or designs on rock surfaces using natural pigments, such as charcoal or ochre. Pictographs are created by painting, while petroglyphs are created by carving or scratching into the rock surface.
The rock art in the Nilgiris, a mountain range in southern India, is a significant example of this ancient form of art. It is the only tangible evidence of the existence of a prehistoric hunter-gatherer community in the region before recorded history. These rock paintings and petroglyphs provide insights into the lives and beliefs of these early communities, including their hunting practices, social structures, and religious beliefs.
Unfortunately, many of these rock art sites have been damaged due to vandalism and weathering. This damage is irreversible, and the loss of these cultural artifacts is a significant loss to our understanding of early human history. Additionally, many of these sites have been neglected and are not adequately protected or preserved.
The local populace is not aware of the significance of these rock art sites, and as a result, they are not given the attention and care they deserve. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness about these sites, and this has led to their continued deterioration. It is crucial that efforts are made to educate people about the importance of these sites and to protect them from further damage.
Some of the notable rock art sites in the Nilgiris include the Kattikkal Cave, where petroglyphs depicting human figures, animals, and geometric designs have been found. The Edakkal Caves contain pictographs that date back to the Neolithic period, around 6000 BCE. The Moyar River Valley contains several rock art sites with petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, and abstract designs.
The rock art in the Nilgiris is an essential part of human history and provides us with valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of our early ancestors. It is crucial that efforts are made to protect and preserve these sites for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Pictographs (painting on stone using natural pigments):
- Karikkaiyur
- Konavakarai
- Iduhatty
- Vedavarai
- Thengumarahada
- Kuththunelpadduvarai
- Kobbaiyurevarai
Petroglyphs (an image carved or scratched into stone):
- Thalamokkai-Airbet
- Semmanarai- kilkonthivarai
Several new sites are yet to be discovered. We have gained some clues on locating these new possible rock art sites after talking to local communities. They are:
- Sigur
- Seengavarai
- Selakodai
- Kurumbavarai