Emblematic of ancient culture and heritage, the rock paintings of Karikiyoor in Kil Kotagiri, nestled deep in the Nilgiri forests, have long held the interest of historians, locals, and tourists alike. Unfortunately, these fascinating remnants of historical art have lost approximately 40% of their original form due to damage inflicted by vandals, trespassing trekkers, and unaware tourists. This destruction has led to a wave of anger among the Irula tribal community, who share a profound ancestral connection with the site of these magnificent rock arts.
The Irula Tribe: An Overview
The Irula people predominantly reside in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu and in certain parts of Kerala. The tribe traces its origins back to the ethnic groups of Southeast Asia and Australia. The Irulas speak a language that resonates closely with Dravidian languages such as Kannada and Tamil.
In modern classification, the Irulas are considered a part of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). This identification encompasses marginalized sections of India’s Scheduled Tribes that are relatively isolated and socio-economically backward. However, it is important to note that PVTG isn’t a constitutionally recognized category, but instead a classification created by the Indian government intending to better the conditions of communities with particularly low developments.
Uncovering the Mysteries: The Scribbles on the Rock Paintings
The scripts found on the rock paintings in Karikiyoor bear a striking resemblance to the script discovered in Indus civilization sites located in Northern India. This fact has added a layer of intrigue in the study of these paintings, hinting at possible connections or influences between these seemingly diverse cultures.
Indian Rock Art: Types and Locations
Rock art comprises human-made markings placed on natural stone. There are three primary forms of rock arts: petroglyphs (carvings on the rock surface), pictographs (paintings on the surface), and earth figures that are formed on the ground. Aside from Karikiyoor, rock art in India is extensively found in various other locations.
| Locations of Rock Art | Description |
|---|---|
| Bhimbetka caves | These caves are located between Hoshangabad and Bhopal, at the foothills of the Vindhya Mountains. |
| Bagh caves | Situated on the bank of the Baghani river in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. |
| Jogimara caves | The paintings in these caves predate those found in Ajanta and Bagh Caves. These caves are situated at Amarnath, near the origin of the Narmada river, in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja. |
| Armamalai caves | Located in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district, these caves are known for a Jain temple housing ancient paintings, petroglyphs, and rock art. |
The Significance of Rock Paintings
The rock paintings serve as a valuable “historical record”, illuminating the hunting habits and lifestyles of local communities from ancient times. These artworks are also used for ritualistic purposes by local residents. Many tribal communities, like the Irulas, derive their cultural connections by following the customs outlined in these rock arts, thereby emphasizing their immense significance in preserving indigenous cultures and history.
