Rock paintings cry for attention

Coimbatore: The government should take steps to save the ancient rock paintings in the district, which are being vandalised, epigraphists say.
“People are vandalizing the painting by scribbling over them with paint and charcoal, mainly because of lack of awareness. It is high time that the government take some serious measures to create awareness among the public and protect the paintings,” said Ravi, tutor in-charge of diploma in Epigraphical Studies at PSG College of Arts and Science.

Speaking about the rock paintings found in a mountain at Kovanur, Ravi said that over 25% of the paintings, which are at least 3,500 years old, were ruined when people painted the walls of the mountain in yellow to keep the premises of a temple clean. “There were paintings of deer fighting with bulls, people sitting on elephants and bulls carrying bows and arrows. They depict the ancient cattle society and are the only evidence of our history. Upon ruining them, a key link to our history is lost.”

Three to four types of paintings were found in the cave, he said, explaining that once the paintings are ruined, they cannot be retrieved.

“The situation is same at Kumitippathi, where ancient rock art dating back to the megalithic period could be found. It is considered as one of the few places in the state where ancient arts could be found easily. Without preservation, the place has become a hub of drunkards, who cook using charcoal. They have defaced the paintings with charcoal,” said an official dealing with epigraphs.

Paintings at Vettaikaranmalai are safe because it is deep inside the forest and difficult to find. “Those who vandalize the paintings do not know that they are thousands of years old. Such kind of activities could be prevented only by creating awareness. Even though awareness is being created among students and public through government museums, more should be done,” the official added.