Source: TH
Subject: Art and culture
Context: The Yaakai Heritage Trust has reported the re-discovery of a prehistoric rock painting site in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, located near the Vellarikombai village.
About Prehistoric Rock Painting Site in Nilgiris:
What It Is?
- A prehistoric rock art shelter located approximately 1,100 metres above sea level near Kotagiri.
- The newly identified site adds to the rich archaeological landscape of the Nilgiris, which includes other famous rock art locations like Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai.
Location and Access: Situated northwest of Vellarikombai, the site is reached by climbing 450 metres up a steep rocky slope. It is accessible only in summer; during monsoons, water flows over the rock like a waterfall.
Dimensions: The paintings are spread across a rock surface measuring roughly 638 cm in length and 540 cm in height.
Artistic Style: All figures are executed using red ochre.
Identifiable Figures: The site contains 30 clear figures, including human forms, anthropomorphic figures with conical headdresses, and elongated-limbed figures.
Symbolism: Ritual symbols such as dot-filled rectangular patterns and ladder-like body structures suggest strong ties to prehistoric supernatural beliefs.
About Oor Pare:
- Oor Pare is the local name given to this specific rock painting site by the indigenous tribal communities of the region. It is traditionally used as a resting place by these tribes during honey-gathering expeditions.
About Irula and Kurumba Tribes:
The rock art site is considered sacred to the Irula and Kurumba communities, who have inhabited the Nilgiri biospehere for centuries.
- Who They Are?
- One of the oldest indigenous communities in South India, recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
- Habitat: They primarily reside in the Nilgiri Mountains across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Key Characteristics: Historically known for their expertise in snake and rat catching, as well as their deep knowledge of herbal medicine and forest produce collection.
- Who They Are?
- An ethnic group traditionally linked to the ancient Pallava empire, now living as a forest-dwelling tribe.
- Habitat: They live in the mid-to-lower elevations of the Nilgiri hills, often in proximity to steep cliffs.
- Key Characteristics: They are renowned for their traditional honey-gathering skills, often scaling dangerous heights using handmade vine ladders. They are also known for their unique traditions in art and sorcery within the local tribal hierarchy.
