Indiscriminate quarrying activity in the downhill areas of Nelliyampathy in Palakkad district is threatening the existence of two rock surfaces with unique paleolithic-age cup markings (cupola).
These cup markings are deemed important in the study of primitive paleolithic people of the subcontinent. Such sites are rare in the country.
In the State, such rock surfaces are found at Vellaramkunnu, near the Chulliyar dam, Muthalamada grama panchayat; the adjacent Chappakkad tribal colony; and Parouli in Thrissur district.
Vellaramkunnu and Chappakkad also faces imminent destruction due to large-scale quarrying.
Archaeological investigator Suvarna Nalappatt told The Hindu that the conservation of the cupolas were vital to research.
“Experts call them the oldest art form of humankind. It is believed that human beings started experimenting with fine arts in the beginning of the upper paleolithic era,” Dr. Nalappatt, the managing trustee of the Nalapat Trust of Education and Research, said.
Cupolas are scattered across the world, except Antartica. The cupolas of Nelliyampathy could help trace the ancient history of the region, she said.
“The cup markings in Muthalamada are fairly big and uniform in size. The series in each site bears resemblance to crocodiles,” Dr. Nalappat said.
“The cupolas need protection and preservation by the government. Already, some have been destroyed by local people as they are unaware of the importance of these. Now, the quarries are posing a severe threat,” K. Saravanakumar, an activist, said.
