Grooves found in Chilkur forest hold clues to prehistoric life | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Four deep grooves found on a rock surface near the Banda Juvvi Watch Tower in Mrugavani National Park at Chilkur have raised the possibility of prehistoric human activity in the forest landscape surrounding Hyderabad. Historian Dr Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli, who spotted the markings during a safari visit, has called for a scientific investigation to determine their origin and age. The site came to his attention following information provided by B Anand Kumar, administrative officer of the forest department in Rangareddy district.The four grooves, each measuring about one foot in length and two to four inches in depth, are located on a plateau-like rock surface overlooking valleys. The surrounding landscape has water sources, two levels of rock plateaus and large boulders, which Dyavanapalli believes could have supported hunting, gathering and other human activities.According to the historian, the grooves may have been formed by the repeated grinding or sharpening of stone implements, including axes. He suggested that they could be associated with Neolithic-period activity dating to around the fifth millennium BCE, while stressing that the hypothesis requires scientific verification.Adding to the archaeological interest is a rock-art site about one kilometre away, near Forest Trek Park. A rock formation resembling a snake’s hood bears ochre-coloured paintings depicting what have been interpreted as a turtle, a tamed animal, hunting scenes, arrows, a possible fifth phratry or social subdivision, and borderline designs. The age and interpretation of the paintings, as well as any possible connection with the grooves, remain unverified.Dyavanapalli urged the department of archaeology and museums to survey both locations, document the markings and examine nearby rock shelters for stone tools, pottery fragments, rock bruisings and other evidence of human activity. He also sought coordination between archaeology and forest officials for scientific assessment, conservation and protection of the sites. “Discoveries of this nature deserve careful scientific investigation,” he said, adding that a systematic survey could establish their antiquity and cultural significance.
Source link
