Ancient Tamil Nadu Rock Paintings Remain Unprotected Despite Monument Status
Ancient rock paintings, believed to be more than 2,300 years old, located at Kumittipathi village near the Kerala border in Coimbatore district, continue to lack basic protection. This neglect persists even after the Tamil Nadu government officially declared the site a protected monument last year.
Longstanding Calls for Protection Ignored
For the past 15 years, local history enthusiasts and residents have been persistently urging authorities to safeguard this invaluable archaeological site. P Saravanakumar, a concerned resident, highlights the ongoing issue, stating, "No fencing or security arrangements have been made so far." The rock art, created with white pigment, is housed in two caves on Pathimalai hill, which falls under the Thirumalayampalayam town panchayat near Madukkarai.
Details of the Prehistoric Artwork
The lower cave features intricate paintings depicting an elephant and a chariot, while the upper cave contains images that closely resemble human figures. Measuring approximately 4 feet wide and 2 feet tall, these ancient artworks provide significant insights. Experts suggest that the depictions indicate the area may have once served as a natural habitat for elephants, offering a glimpse into the region's ecological history.
Accessibility Leading to Defacement
Epigraphist R Jegadeesan explains a critical challenge: "Many rock art sites in Tamil Nadu are deep inside forests. The Kumittipathi paintings are one of the only easily accessible rock art paintings. Unfortunately, that’s why they are being defaced. The caves need to be protected." This accessibility has made the site vulnerable to damage from visitors.
Government Declaration Without Implementation
Last year, the state government issued formal orders declaring the prehistoric rock art paintings at Kumittipathi in Madukkarai taluk as protected archaeological monuments. This declaration was made under Section 3(1) of the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966. An official from the archaeology department in Coimbatore had previously assured that the area would be fenced and an information board detailing the monument's history would be installed at the site. However, to date, no such measures have been implemented.
Recent Incidents of Damage and Neglect
Photographs recently emerged showing that stones had been arranged at the site to create a makeshift meditation space. In response, officials from the Madukkarai revenue department, along with district archaeology officials, removed these stones. Despite this intervention, some youngsters from nearby areas continue to visit the caves and cause damage to the paintings.
Writer C R Elangovan describes the distressing conditions: "People use the site for cooking and to drink. There is graffiti on the walls. Some parts are damaged by smoke from cooking fires. As there is no board explaining the importance of the site, people unknowingly damage these historically significant paintings."
Promised Protective Measures
Archaeology department officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting the site. They state that plans are in place to fence the area, post a security guard, and erect an information board. These actions are crucial to preserving this ancient heritage for future generations and preventing further degradation of the invaluable rock paintings.
