Andhra unveils second largest rock art trove

PT Facts

Andhra unveils second largest rock art trove

News:

Andhra unveils second largest rock art trove

Important Facts:

• Andhra Pradesh’s second largest petroglyph site, containing about 80 petroglyhs, has been discovered at Mekala Benchi in Kurnool district
• Mekala Benchi has petroglyphs dating back from the Neolithic to the Megalithic period, Kandanathi carvings range from the prehistoric to the historic period.
• These petroglyphs, or rock carvings, become a major site of Neolithic settlements in south India.
• Two boulders, one known locally as ‘Boodida Konda’ (ash-coloured hill) and the other an unnamed granite hillock, mostly have images of bulls or bull-riding, in addition to human figures, an elephant, tiger-like animals and cupules.
• The current archeological site, at the granite foothills of Boodida Konda, could possibily a Neolithic settlement,
• Kandanathi, with 200 petroglyphs, is also in Kurnool district.
• The present day Gollas and Kurubas (grazing communities), who are predominant in this region, are the living examples of the first pastoralists who resembles Neolithic people.

What are Petroglyphs

• Petroglyphs are rock carvings (rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammer stone. When the desert varnish (or patina) on the surface of the rock was chipped off, the lighter rock underneath was exposed, creating the petroglyph.
• They should not be confused with hieroglyphics, which are symbols used to represent words, nor thought of as ancient Indian graffiti.
• Petroglyphs are powerful cultural symbols that reflect the complex societies and religions of the surrounding tribes