Evidence of neolithic grooves discovered at ‘Kollan Paarai' near Vellakoil

The Hindu

7 days ago

A new evidence of neolithic grooves has been discovered at 'Kollan Paarai' in Nagamanaickenpatti village, Vellakoil taluk, Tiruppur district, by a team from Yaakkai Heritage Trust.
The site reveals nine distinct grinding grooves carved into granite rock, and microlithic stone tools on the surface that depict Iron Age cultural traces including clusters of iron ore slag, according to the team of archaeologists of the Coimbatore-based Trust.
The surrounding landscape of Vellakoil retains the traditional character of a grazing region (Mullai thinai in Tamil classical geography), with its open pasturelands and indigenous breeds like Kangeyam cattle continuing a longstanding pastoral heritage, the study states.
The study was carried out by Trust members Kumaravel Ramasamy, Sudhakar Nalliyappan, and Arunraja Mohan, based on initial field-level information provided by Arun Kumar.
The discovery of these neolithic-era grooves supports this continuity, indicating ancient tool-sharpening and production activities tied to herding communities, the study states.
The archaeologists note that such grooves are typical markers of neolithic culture, where stone implements were ground or shaped for use. In Tamil Nadu, these features have been identified at select sites in both northern and southern districts.
This latest find follows previous documentation by the Yaakkai team at Thathanur in Tiruppur, as well as known sites in Naduvacheri and Kethaiarumbu, all within the Kongu region, highlighting the wider prehistoric settlement network, it states.
'Typically, such archaeological sites are located on sturdy granite outcrops close to perennial water sources such as springs or small rock pools. The granite at 'Kollan Paarai' is like the Eastern Ghats' rocks, with the grooves cut into its hard surface,' the study describes. Measurements show variations in groove size, with the largest recorded at approximately 53 cm in length, 18 cm in width, and 3.7 cm in depth, while smaller ones measure around 20 cm, 20 cm 0.5 cm respectively.
Nearby, the natural rock pool known locally as 'Kollan Paaḻi' measures roughly 680 cm in length, 220 cm in width, and 240 cm in depth.
Villagers confirmed that it remains filled even during harsh summers. They consider the water sacred, and use it for ritual purposes.
Surface surveys in the adjacent area called 'Kollan Kadu' also yielded microlithic blade tools made of quartz, and numerous iron slag pieces, some measuring up to 25 cm long, 15 cm wide, and 10 cm high.
These finds further support the site's importance as an integrated prehistoric landscape where multiple craft and subsistence activities occurred.
'Kollan Paarai' itself continues to be a living heritage site. Local traditions identify the rock grooves as symbolic footprints of Lord Murugan of Sivanmalai, and pilgrims perform rituals at the site during their journey to Sivanmalai, according to the team.
Additionally, new temples for Vinayaka and Kanniatha have been constructed nearby, while water from 'Kollan Paaḻi' is considered holy for ceremonies.