Megalithic rock engravings at Erikulam Valiyapara identified as cow and deer figures

A caller inspection by the Kerala State Archaeological section astatine Erikulam Valiyapara successful Madikkai panchayat has confirmed that the megalithic-period stone engravings discovered present picture the figures of a cattle and a cervid carved connected a 20-square-metre hard laterite rock. The engravings, oriented towards the South, carnivore adjacent resemblance to engravings earlier recorded astatine Ettukudukka and Ariyittapara.

The latest uncovering builds connected discoveries made a period agone by humanities researcher Nandakumar Koroth, Satheesan Kaliyanam, and University of Baroda students Asna Jiji and Anagha Sivaramakrishnan, who had reported carvings resembling a falcon and a snake. However, officials present accidental that the earlier interpretations were incorrect and that the engravings are really those of a cattle and astir apt a deer.

The inspection was carried retired by a squad led by K. Krishnaraj, Officer of the Pazhassi Raja Museum, Kozhikode, on with Archaeology section Excavation Assistant V.A. Vimalkumar, depository staffer T.P. Nibin and section archaeologist Satheesan Kaliyanam.

Mr. Krishnaraj says the discoveries adhd value to grounds that Valiyapara was a important tract successful the centuries-old contented of stone creation carved with crisp instrumentality crossed reddish laterite formations stretching from Ratnagiri successful Maharashtra to Wayanad successful Kerala. The engraving indicates a shared creator and taste signifier that spanned the occidental seashore and its hinterland. The squad documented assorted sections of the tract and said photographs from antithetic portions of the stone would acquisition elaborate analysis.

In addition, the section inspected footprint-shaped carvings adjacent Kanhirapoil and respective tiny cave-like structures etched into laterite enactment successful antithetic parts of Madikkai panchayat. These features, officials say, could supply further penetration into the prehistoric enactment that erstwhile flourished successful the region.

Experts judge that deeper technological studies whitethorn uncover much engravings crossed the site. Highlighting the humanities worth of the region, section archaeologist Satheesan Kaliyanam urged the authorities to initiate measures to support the Valiyapara rock, noting that expanding involvement from researchers and students underscored its importance. He besides pointed to the mushrooming of laterite quarries successful the vicinity, informing that specified activities posed a menace to the megalithic scenery dispersed crossed respective acres.