: Several rock art sites in the Nilgiri Hills are on verge of destruction and required immediate attention of authorities to preserve them, according to an independent art researcher.
Presenting a paper on rock art in the Nilgiris mountains of Tamil Nadu, K.T.Gandhirajan, an independent art researcher, said he had discovered several sites in the Nilgiris 10 years ago but the authorities are yet to pay enough attention to those art sites so as to preserve.
In Tamil Nadu, more than hundred rock art sites had been identified in different geographical zones and belonging to different period of time. Nilgiri Hills is very significant region, because of people and its landscape. Prehistoric rock art in the form of paintings and rock carvings are found in the Nilgiris in five places – Vellarikombai, Selakorai, Errpettu, Kallampalayam, and Porivarai.
Mr.Gandhirajan said, “There are several number of rock art sites found on the Nilgiri hills. Even though they were discovered few years ago, such rare discoveries were not protected and facing extinction. They are being vandalised by human through mining or engraving.”
The researcher also said the unique fauna of the region has had a significant impact on the rock art heritage of the Nilgiri region which is home to four major tribes- the Todas, the Kotas, the Kurumbas and the Irulas. The lifestyle and occupations of these tribes were reflected in the rock art paintings of the region.
Explaining the art form, Mr. Gandhirajan said that despite the variation in their location, they exhibit some common features including the use of the natural silhouette style, natural outlines style in white and red pigments. In all the places, the artists have a keen sense of observation and know how to execute the anatomy of animals.
“These five sites, which are within a 30-km radius, show a remarkable similarity in their approach to the human form. The head is depicted as a circular form and the body is painted in strokes that are sometimes repeated. Among these five sites, Vellarikombai is very unique, in terms of subject and its treatment, more geometric, stylistic and conventional manner. This only site in Nilgiris connected with religious affinity. Similar types of executions are not found any where in Tamilnadu,” Mr. Gandhirajan added.
