Megalithic burial chamber, possible rock art discovered in Kasaragod’s Madikkai panchayat

A Megalithic burial chamber and a possible rock art on laterite stone, believed to be historical remnants of an ancient settlement, have been discovered in Madikkai panchayat in Kasaragod district, shedding new light on the region’s archaeological heritage.

The rock art was found at Kannamkulampara, while a laterite burial chamber, partially damaged along its edge during laterite mining, was discovered at Theerthankara. The discoveries were made during explorations by local archaeological researcher Satheesan Kaliyam.                                            

Dr. Nandakumar Koroth, head of the History department at Nehru Arts and Science College, Kanhangad, and a history researcher, visited the sites and confirmed that the chamber was a megalithic burial structure and that the petroglyphs engraved were man-made.

Similar discoveries

Dr. Koroth said the rock art at Kannamkulampara resembles similar discoveries at Ariyittapara, Kakkatt, Munnnad Molothum kavu, Amakkulam, Erikkulam Valiyapara, Kanhirapoyil, Ettukudukka, and Ambalathara. Like these sites, the rock art is located on the banks of a natural water reservoir known as a Pallam. 

“The carving consists of two footprints measuring around 10 inches in length and six inches in width, engraved into laterite rock. Its style resembles that of other rock art sites identified in northern Keralam.” he said.

Dr. Koroth said the footprints may have been carved into the hard rock using iron tools. The location of the carvings along the banks of natural water reservoirs have contributed to their preservation over centuries.

During the monsoon, the carvings remain submerged for extended periods, while their position also protects them from the direct impact of raindrops. The burial chamber at Theerthankara has an opening at the top, while both the opening and its interior are filled with topsoil.

Megalithic period

The latest discoveries are significant archaeological remnants that offer clues to the lives and cultural practices of people who inhabited Madikkai during the megalithic period. 

Meanwhile, K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer-in-charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, said the rock art appeared to resemble cupules, small, circular, cup-shaped depressions made by humans on rock surfaces. However, he said further inspection and study were needed.

Senior archaeologist and former archaeology professor Ajith Kumar explained that similar footprints were known from other sites and might represent deceased souls or sacred spirits in local folklore, while some formations could also be natural. He distinguishes these from cupules, which are typically cup-shaped depressions in rock.

Prof. Kumar said that more study was required to determine whether these are man made or a naturally formed depression.