Prehistoric rock paintings have been discovered at Vellarikkombai village in Kotagiri, located in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu during a field survey conducted by the Yaakkai Trust. The site, locally known as “Oor Pare”, lies to the northwest of Vellarikkombai and is traditionally associated with the indigenous Kurumba tribe and Irula tribe communities, who inhabit forest-fringe settlements and possess deep ecological knowledge and rich ritual traditions.
This discovery adds a significant dimension to the archaeological landscape of the Nilgiris, which already hosts notable rock art sites such as Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai.
Key Features of Rock Art Site
- Location: The site is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,100 metres, accessible only by climbing a steep rocky slope of about 450 metres, and remains reachable mainly during summer as monsoon water flow turns the rock surface into a waterfall.
- Dimensions: The paintings span a rock surface of about 638 cm in length and 540 cm in height.
- Artistic Medium: All figures are created using red ochre, a common prehistoric pigment.
- Number of Figures: Around 30 clearly identifiable figures are present.
- Types of Depictions:
- Human and anthropomorphic forms
- Figures with conical headdresses
- Elongated-limbed human representations
- Symbolism: Presence of dot-filled rectangular motifs and ladder-like body structures, indicating ritualistic or supernatural beliefs.
About “Oor Pare”
- The name “Oor Pare” is used locally by tribal communities for this site.
- It traditionally serves as a resting point during honey-gathering expeditions.
- The site is considered sacred, reflecting the deep cultural connection between the tribes and their environment.
Indigenous Communities Associated with the Site
Irula tribe
- One of the oldest indigenous groups in South India, recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
- Primarily inhabit the Nilgiri region across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- Known for snake and rat catching skills, as well as expertise in herbal medicine and forest resource management.
Kurumba tribe
- Traditionally linked to the ancient Pallava period and now living as forest-dwelling communities.
- Reside in mid-to-lower elevations of the Nilgiri hills, often near steep cliffs.
- Renowned for honey gathering, scaling heights using vine ladders, and known for their unique traditions in art and ritual practices.
Significance
- The discovery enriches India’s prehistoric heritage by providing valuable insights into early human expression, belief systems, and cultural practices.
- The symbolic patterns and anthropomorphic depictions suggest a strong connection with ritualistic and spiritual traditions, while the association with indigenous tribes highlights the continuity of cultural landscapes in the Nilgiri biosphere.