The unearthing of historical relics from Piralimattam cave, an archaeological site near here, has given strength to the long-time demand of the residents who have been demanding conservation of the cave.
During a site visit, P Rajendran, a noted archaeologist and UGC research scientist, has said that the site is of immense historical significance as some of the inscriptions dating back to neolithic age were found in the cave.
Rajendran told ‘City Express’ that the cave was over 4000 years old. “The inscriptions on the walls are man made and the primary study hints that most of the inscriptions belonged to neolithic era or stone age,” he said..
Rajendran added that three caves bore man-made petroglyphs. “Over five inscriptions among the 14 ones have been identified man made. The remaining will soon be identified. The site has the potential to provide rich information about the life of people dating back to more than 4,000 years ago,” he added.
Rajendran said that the new findings point out that if the State Archaeology Department launches an excavation mission, more valuable historical evidence can be obtained.
He criticised the apathy of authorities in conserving the archaeological sites and added that there was no deliberate attempt to identify new archaeological sites and the sites discovered by archaeologists out of personal interest are not taken seriously.
He, however, added that he will submit a report to the State Archeology Department and the the Archaeological Survey of India for launching a mission in the spot.
Same time, the State Archeology Department has disputed the claims made by Rajendran. State Archeology Department director G Premkumar said that the department has already conducted a study in the site following demands of the local people. “Our officials have submitted a report claiming the area has no historical importance and the inscriptions were natural. As per the report, the Department has submitted a report to the state government stating that the department could not take over the site,” he said.