Koppal: A team from the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage has uncovered rock shelter paintings estimated to be around 2,500 years old near Pampa Lake in the Hampi World Heritage Area.
The discovery was made during fieldwork conducted by Deputy Director Dr R Shejeshwara along with Assistant Archaeologist Dr R Manjanaik.
The orange-red paintings, located on a rock on the left side of the road leading to Anegundi, depict a standing bull with a hump being grasped by a stout, striped tiger. The tiger measures 50 cm in length and 20 cm in width, while the bull is 40 cm in length and 20 cm in width. Vague images of two smaller bulls and other indistinct figures in orange-red can also be seen nearby.
The cave paintings are on a rock with another stone protected by a leaning rock, sheltering them from natural elements such as rain, wind, and sunlight. This strategic placement has helped preserve the artwork, which demonstrates the painter's skill and understanding of their environment.
These paintings are estimated to be around 2,500 years old.
The archeology department plans to put up a signboard near this site and also small details about the rock art and provide information to the tourists.
As it is situated on the roadside, it is likely to attract the attention of the tourists.
