Ancient cave paintings discovered near Palani

A team of archaeologists discovered ancient rock paintings in a dilapidated cave near a Paliyar tribal habitation at Kombaikadu village situated 1,000 metres above sea level on Palani-Kodaikanal Road on Thursday.

The team, comprising archaeologist Narayanamurthy, Professor Kannimuthu and Vanjinathan, found the rock paintings and analysed them. Mr. Narayanamurthy said that the ancient artists used red colour to draw these paintings. The colour of paintings had faded owing to rain and sunshine. Moreover, several paintings were completely destroyed.

In one of the paintings , two persons were sitting on an animal and in another painting one person was sitting on the shoulders of another man. Both the paintings were highly damaged. A holy lance was drawn on the cave wall, and another picture depicts a person holding an axe in his hand with a dead body lying near his feet. This picture represented victory in a war.

Hand symbol was also painted on the rock. This type of hand symbol was present in many rock paintings throughout the country. The picture of holy lance showed prevalence of Saivite culture in ancient times, he added. The rock cave was demolished to lay the Ghat Road. Now, the side walls of the cave were present. There was no easy access to these paintings as they were drawn on the top portion of the cave.