TIRUPATTUR: A unique archaeological discovery came to light in Tirupattur district, with members of the Tirupattur District Heritage Conservation Centre uncovering what is believed to be the largest collection of Iron Age rock paintings in the region. The discovery was made in a cave located above Reddiyur village on the Yelagiri hills, en route from Vaniyambadi to Alangayam.
The survey was led by Dr A Prabu, Professor of Tamil at Sacred Heart College and an archaeological and historical researcher, along with V Radhakrishnan and Muthamizvendan from the conservation centre. Following a tip-off, the team obtained permission from the district forest department and trekked to the site—approximately 1,000 feet above ground level.
The rock painting complex is housed within a naturally formed cave, spacious enough to hold over 50 people and currently revered by locals. At the cave’s entrance, three major groups of rock paintings were discovered, comprising more than 80 human figures.
“These figures depict scenes of people mounted on animals, fighting with weapons. Two figures are even shown with children on their hips during the battle,” said Dr Prabu. Another painting shows a man attacking a leopard with a weapon, the animal detailed with a beautifully curved tail. Trees and antlered deer are depicted grazing around the warriors, and one scene captures people dancing, seemingly celebrating a battle victory. A tribal leader is shown being carried on a palanquin.
The white-painted weapons held by the figures are straight in shape, indicating that the paintings likely date back to the Iron Age. “This is the most extensive rock painting group found in the former Vellore district and north-western Tamil Nadu,” Dr Prabu added.
Rock paintings have historically been discovered in naturally formed caves across Tamil Nadu, especially in the Kurinji and Mullai regions. These artworks often served as a medium for early humans to document daily life, emotions, and social activities.