THRISSUR: A pair of ancient stone axes (Kanmazhu) were found from the bed of Chalakkudy River here on Tuesday. The recovery not only sheds light on the neolithic culture existed in the region but also on the life of a primitive tribal group.
According to historian M G Sasibhooshan, who took initiative to hold archaeological exploration in the area which resulted in the recovery of the ancient artefacts, these axes could be the tools of the primitive tribal group ‘Kadar’, who lived in the Parambikulam reserve forest area.
The Parambikulam forest and the Chalakudy river basin, which includes the Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls area, was the only home of the ‘Kadar’ community. At present, there are about 2,000 persons belonging to the tribal group in the area.
“The axes with sharp cutting edges and average length of 11.5 cm point to the neolithic culture representing the period between 1,500 BC and 5,000 BC,” he said.
Though the place is an integral part of the ancient civilisation which evolved down the ages, the place and the Kadar community, who are living here for generations in harmony with rare flora and fauna, were neglected by the alternate governments in the state.
Though the Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS) under Forest Department are providing them daily wage jobs, their earnings are marginal in comparison to the income of other tribal communities in the state. Besides, they are also facing the threat of eviction ever since the announcement of Athirappilly Hydel Project.