Hyderabad: Archeologists in Vijayawada have discovered prehistoric rock paintings near Kadiri of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The rock, locally known as Rukalagundu in Kadiri mandal, was found to have prehistoric paintings dated to Mesolithic times.
Dr E. Siva Nagireddy, CEO of The Cultural Centre of Vijayawada, and his team, during investigations in Anantapur district following information given by one Mr P. Anjanappa Naidu, a resident of Potulavandlapalli in Kadiri Mandal, discovered the rock paintings.
Mr Reddy said, “We have noticed a few rock paintings which include a lizard, men dancing, hunting tools and geometrical designs, all executed in red ochre, at Rukalabanda, a small hillock located three kms from the village towards the east.”
Mr Anjappa Naidu, along with one Mr Mohammed Rafi, who are enthusiastic about historic remains, were the first to spot these paintings.
“The rock art is datable to the period between 10000 – 8000 BC. This is based on earlier finds of similar technique and typology at Velpumadugu and Budagavi in Uravakonda mandal and Tenakal and Enugugavi in Kalyandurg mandal by Dr N. Chandramouli, a specialist in South Indian rock art,” said Mr. Reddy.
Mr Anjanappa Naidu said, “The hill rock on which the paintings are located is called Rukalagundu because locals use to pay their taxes in cash called Rukas during the British regime, where until recently, village fares were conducted.” The site is near the Kadiri –Rajampet road. Archeologists have asked the district administration, district tourism promoting council and the department of Archaeology and Museums to provide an approach road to the spot, minimum amenities like legend board, signage and to declare it as a protected archaeological site and connect it to the tourist spots of Kadiri, Katarupalle and Timmammamarrimanu in the district.
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