Access to the ancient and historically significant Hirebenkal stone tombs in Karnataka's Koppal district has been virtually severed. This follows the development of a large, unrepaired hole in the middle of the only bridge leading to the protected archaeological site, rendering the road impassable for most vehicles.
A Critical Link to the Past is Broken
The damaged bridge is the primary gateway to a site of immense archaeological value. The Hirebenkal complex features Stone Age burial houses and massive stone boulders adorned with cave paintings believed to be over 3,000 years old. Spread across nearly 20 hectares on a castellated granite hillock, the site is part of a wider cluster of similar megalithic structures in the region.
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Hampi Circle, the tombs are located about 3km southeast of Hirebenkal village, which itself is 40km from the Koppal district headquarters. Reaching the site now requires a strenuous uphill trek of nearly 10km through thorny bushes and rocky terrain, a journey deemed almost impossible for the elderly and children.
Global Significance, Local Neglect
Historian Sharanabasappa Kolkar from Gangavathi describes Hirebenkal as one of the country's most significant megalithic locations. "This is the second-largest collection of such monuments after the cave paintings of Madhya Pradesh. Known as the ‘Rock Monuments of Early Man', the site has 300 to 400 well-preserved tombs," he said.
Despite being on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, the area lacks basic civic amenities. Manjunath Gudlanur, president of the Environmental Service Trust in Hirebenakal, highlighted the ongoing struggle for visitors. The immediate physical barrier, however, is the broken bridge. Social activist Basanagouda Hosalli confirmed that the hole at the bridge's centre makes it unusable for all vehicles except motorcycles.
Promises of Development Amid Immediate Crisis
While authorities acknowledge the site's importance, action on the ground is lagging. Tourism Minister HK Patil stated that efforts were made to highlight the site's significance, including an exhibition at Vidhana Soudha. Assistant director of the tourism department, D Nagaraj, revealed that Rs 80 lakh has been allocated for Hirebenakal's development, with work to begin after consultations with forest officials.
Yet, the urgent repair of the bridge remains unaddressed. The situation is so dire that Shivasiddheshwara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumkur, who is scheduled to visit the Morer Hill tombs on December 29, may have to undertake the long walk uphill due to the impassable road.
The state of the Hirebenkal bridge underscores a broader challenge: balancing the preservation of India's ancient heritage with providing safe and reasonable access for researchers, tourists, and pilgrims alike.
