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Vellore: A remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from the Yelagiri hills of Tirupattur district, where researchers have identified cave paintings dating back approximately 9,000 years. The findings, led by Dr. Prabhu, a Tamil professor and historian from Thyagarajar College, were brought to light after local residents alerted the team to the cave’s existence near Reddiyur. The well-preserved paintings, remarkably intact despite their age, depict various aspects of Neolithic life including hunting scenes, ritual dances, animal domestication, and human conflicts.

The cave itself presents an impressive archaeological site, situated 1,000 feet above sea level and spanning 100 square meters—large enough to have accommodated about 50 people. However, researchers believe the space served purposes beyond mere shelter. “The concentration of about 80 distinct paintings suggests this was a significant ritual or communal space for Iron Age societies,” explained Dr. Prabhu. The discovery represents some of the most extensive and important prehistoric art found in north-western Tamil Nadu, offering unprecedented insights into the region’s ancient cultural practices.

Window into Tamil Nadu’s Prehistoric Past

The paintings have been tentatively dated between 10,000 to 3,000 BCE, placing them among the oldest known artistic expressions in South India. Dr. Prabhu emphasized their historical value: “These artworks provide crucial evidence about Iron Age communities—their social structures, cultural practices, and daily lives. Protecting this site is essential for understanding Tamil Nadu’s prehistoric development.”

The discovery challenges conventional narratives of Indian history that traditionally emphasized northern civilizations. Notably, similar ancient cave paintings have been found in only a few locations nationally, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra’s Ambadevi paintings. Within Tamil Nadu, while 7,000-year-old paintings exist in Villupuram district and Middle Stone Age art has been documented in Dharmapuri’s Karikaiyur, the Yelagiri paintings now stand as the oldest known cave art in the state.

Urgent Calls for Preservation

Despite their historical significance, some paintings show damage from modern human contact. Researchers have urgently appealed to government and cultural organizations to implement protective measures. The Archaeological Survey of India has been notified about the find, with experts recommending controlled access and conservation efforts to safeguard this rare window into ancient human civilization.

As documentation continues, the Yelagiri cave paintings promise to reshape understandings of South India’s prehistoric era, offering tangible connections to Tamil Nadu’s earliest known inhabitants and their artistic traditions.