Prehistoric rock art, tool-sharpening grooves found in Rajanna Sircilla | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: A team of explorers has discovered prehistoric rock paintings and several stone tool-sharpening grooves at the Saragundlu hillocks near Jillella village in Rajanna Sircilla district, adding a new site to Telangana’s archaeological record.The discovery was made during a field survey conducted by Kondaveeti Gopi, Ahobilam Karunakar, Samaleti Mahesh, Patharla Joel and Daripelli Balayya.Red-pigment paintings documentedThe team documented rock paintings executed in red pigment at the hillocks. According to the researchers, the paintings, along with the associated tool-sharpening grooves, could provide valuable evidence for studying prehistoric habitation, artistic expression, hunting traditions and stone tool technology in the region.

Several grooves carved into the bedrock were also identified at the site. The researchers believe these were used by prehistoric communities to sharpen stone tools, indicating repeated human activity at the hillocks.The team said detailed scientific studies would be needed to analyse the pigments, motifs, artistic style and weathering patterns of the paintings. Similar studies are also proposed to determine the technology, function and chronology of the sharpening grooves.Such studies, they said, could offer deeper insights into the lifeways of prehistoric communities that once occupied or used the landscape around present-day Rajanna Sircilla district.Kondaveeti Gopi is currently researching the Megalithic culture of the Deccan. The newly documented site is expected to provide valuable material for ongoing archaeological research into prehistoric and Megalithic communities of the region.Team seeks scientific survey & protectionThe explorers have urged the department of heritage and archaeological experts to undertake a comprehensive scientific investigation of the Saragundlu hillocks. They also appealed to the authorities to notify the site as a protected heritage monument.