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The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
DakshinaChitra's exhibition on hero stones celebrates culture in ancient Tamil Nadu
It is the last weekend before school begins, and Chennai's famed DakshinaChitra is crowded with families. At the Varija Art Gallery a group of college students is putting together tactile clay objects they have helped create. Anitha Pottamkulam, director, Culture, DakshinaChitra, says, 'The Immortal Valors: Hero Stones of Tamil Nadu is an extraordinary exhibition curated by DakshinaChitra in collaboration with Tamil Nadu's Department of Archaeology, Roja Muthiah Research Library and Yaakkai Heritage Trust. On these pictorial representations come alive stories etched in stone — of bravery, sacrifice and ancestral homage spanning over two millennia. It invites you to discover the fascinating world of nadukal, the legendary hero stones that immortalise Tamil warriors who gave their lives in war, cattle conflicts, and protection of their villages. Museums say 'don't touch' but to bring these fascinating stories from the fringe to the mainstream, we have created tactile versions.' 'There are three ways you can date an inscription,' says Prof Rajan on a phone call, having just stepped away from an archaeological site where he is working. 'The first is based on content — name of the king, regnal year... Assuming that this is not available, the content may denote the political geography of the region or the territorial division which may have emerged after a certain period (names of dynasty or names of chieftains also give clues). The third is paleography — initially vatta ezhuthu script and later Tamil script. The shift from the first to the second happened in the late Pallava period. In addition, sculptural representation on the stone helps date them. Early stones have shields and swords, bow and arrow, and are on cattle raids. Later ones have details on capturing land and villages, a sign of social transformation.' Hero stones populated the Tamil land 'from 4BC to the 5th Century as just stones with inscriptions. Post that, figures made their appearance, from 6th Century to 9th Century — this is when most of the memorial stones were created. A new range came up after the 10th Century, not just for heroes but also on sati and sanyasis. During the Vijayanagara period, inscriptions were done away with and only sculptural representations were found. By the Colonial period, they started fading', says Rajan, adding that the oldest hero stone in India is found in Pulimankombai in Theni district on the banks of the Vaigai. Whether the 'hero' has been buried at the scene of action or brought home and buried is a question that begs to be asked. 'Only if we excavate under them and find the skeletal remains will we know. But these stones are worshipped, and out of deference to the dead, this has not been done,' he adds. In a land profuse with such cultural artefacts that define both time and territory, the onus of discovering, protecting and pushing for their study also falls on the citizen-historian. Which is where institutions such as the Coimbatore-based Yaakkai Heritage Trust, founded in 2017 by Sudhakar Nalliyappan to create awareness and conserve cultural heritage, step in. Sudhakar, president of Yaakkai, found his way to history through degrees in Computer Science and Tamil Studies. 'I was fond of travel and discovered hidden facets of our culture when on the road. Information was available, but scattered, and bringing this microhistory under one umbrella was our focus. Memorial stones are written in common dialects of the region. We have GPS-pinned nearly 1,200 stones and involved locals in their discovery and preservation. This gives them a sense of ownership. Almost 150 students intern with us. We also work to conserve prehistoric rock paintings and megalithic sites. Heritage should also be made part of CSR activity — it opens up funding. Time and knowledge investment is our biggest contribution,' says Sudhakar, adding that volunteers are from different fields but follow their passion post-work and on weekends travelling and learning methods of preservation. This knowledge now hangs on photographs with details of the memorial stones at the gallery. There are also 3D models created by the interning college students. The exhibition invites you to travel back and forth, but it follows the narrative that connects modern people with the way we were. The exhibition is on till July 20 (10am-6pm) at DakshinaChitra, Muttukadu. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Neolithic habitation found in Assam's Dima Hasao
An archaeological site in Assam's Dima Hasao district, uncovered but damaged during the construction of an arterial road in the 1960s, has yielded artefacts that establish it as a Neolithic habitation zone dating back to more than 2,700 years. The discovery of a furnace and iron slag, indicating metallurgical activities, has provided 'substantial support' for earlier hypotheses that Daojali Hading was a major prehistoric settlement in the northeastern part of India. These artefacts were among several found by a multidisciplinary team during a recent archaeological reconnaissance survey at Daojali Hading on the ridges within the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest off National Highway 27. The team was led by Shring Dao Langthasa and Bhubanjoy Langthasa of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council's (NCHAC) Department of Archaeology. Bidisha Bordoloi, heading the District Museum in Haflong, the headquarters of Dima Hasao, about 340 km from Guwahati, collaborated in the survey, while Sukanya Sharma of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, and Marco Mitri of Shillong's North Eastern Hill University provided expert guidance. The Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest has long been recognised for its Neolithic significance. The Daojali Hading site in the vicinity was uncovered during the construction of the Lumding-Haflong Road in the 1960s, leading to systematic excavations from 1962 to 1964 by professors T.C. Sharma and M.C. Goswami of the Gauhati University's Department of Anthropology. These investigations revealed polished double-shouldered celts, cord-marked pottery, mortars and pestles, besides jadeite stone, confirming the site's neolithic affiliation. The unearthed artefacts linked the site with the broader Eastern and Southeastern Asian Neolithic cultural complex. Past buried by road The findings, however, did not stop the road construction work over the excavated area. The road damaged a large part of the site, virtually burying Dima Hasao's neolithic past. Prof Sharma revisited the site in 1985 for further investigations. The new survey was undertaken by following his cues. The team recovered a significant assemblage of cord-marked and low-fired potsherds, grinding and polishing stones, and polished stone tools, indicative of a potential settlement. This was followed up by laying four trial trenches. 'The reconnaissance survey yielded a rich assemblage of artefacts, which were reported earlier, such as polished double-shouldered celts, cord-marked pottery, grinding stones, mortars, pestles, and double-edged celts,' Dr Shring Langthasa said. 'However, iron slag and other ferruginous materials were identified for the first time. Additionally, a polished arrowhead, hafted celts, miniature adzes, broken tools, unfinished flakes, and charcoal samples were recovered,' he told The Hindu. While some trenches offered only contextual data, others produced significant finds such as limestone deposits, iron slag, and ferruginous materials, indicating early metalworking activities. The presence of both finished and unfinished lithic tools highlighted technological diversity and on-site tool production, offering valuable insights into the region's prehistoric lithic and emerging metallurgical traditions. More research sought Further exploration of the site led to the discovery of a furnace accompanied by iron slag — strong evidence of early metallurgical activity, the archaeologists said. These ferruginous materials are being studied at the Department of Geology of Gauhati University. The testing and analysis of artefacts, soil, and other collected samples are being conducted at the Archaeological Sciences Laboratory in IIT, Guwahati. A statement from the team said the findings indicate that Daojali Hading was more than just a lithic production site. 'The range of domestic and utilitarian artefacts confirms that it was a settled neolithic habitation zone, a conclusion that aligns with earlier interpretations but lacked definitive proof until now,' it said. The team said that the site stands as a crucial marker of prehistoric community life in India's northeast. It called for more research, including radiocarbon dating of organic remains and comparative studies with other Neolithic sites in the region. The team thanked NCHAC's Chief Executive Member, Debolal Gorlosa, and Executive Member for Cultural Affairs, Monjit Naiding, for supporting the survey as a heritage conservation project. Among the team members was Sudip Kemprai, who interpreted old maps to find the site.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- The Hindu
Technology-driven revamp of State museums in the offing
Museums in Karnataka are set for a revamp with plans for their modernisation and introduction of interactive features. This was stated by A. Devaraju, Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, here on Sunday. Speaking to The Hindu on the sidelines of International Museum Day, Mr. Devaraju said there are 16 museums and an art gallery under the department and they are undergoing infrastructure upgrades. He said renovation work of some of the museum buildings at Basavakalyana, Athani, Madikeri, Gadag, and Mangaluru have been completed. 'We are prioritising infrastructure and curation. At Madikeri, interiors are being revamped. Work at Athani and Basavakalyana is nearly complete,' he said. The department was also exploring augmented reality and virtual reality technologies to make the visitor experience at museums more immersive and interactive. The objective is to engage with the young minds and instil interest in them in areas of art and cultural heritage as depicted by the artifacts and the exhibits. Mr. Devaraju said a tech firm, Apozee, has been roped in to prepare concept ideas and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for digital walkthroughs and interactive experiences. 'They have been asked to visit sites and submit proposals soon,' he added. Meanwhile, plans are also under way to redesign museums at Yellandur and Srirangapatna, the latter struggling with visibility issues despite its location near the iconic Ranganathaswamy Temple. On the proposed museum near Chamundi Vihar Stadium, which received budgetary support from the State government, the Commissioner said the concept was yet to be finalised. The department will not rush into preparing a DPR until there was clarity on the concept and it was being worked out, he added. Another mega project is also on the cards as the old Deputy Commissioner's office in Mysuru may soon transform into a full-fledged museum under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, according to the Commissioner. Incidentally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that a museum showcasing the evolution of the Indian Constitution will be established. Minister for Tourism H.K. Patil had stated sometime ago that the archaeology department, if provided with some space for a couple of galleries, could exhibit the rich collection of artifacts in its inventory, encompassing various dynasties in the same building. Mr. Devaraju also confirmed that the Archaeological Survey of India has given its approval for taking up excavations at Rajghatta and Lakkundi, and it would be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on June 3, 2025.
Hindustan Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Vikramaditya I dated inscription found in Davangere
A rare inscription dating back to the time of Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukya dynasty has been unearthed at Madapura Lake in Nyamati taluk of Davangere district, according to officials familiar with the matter. 'The inscription measures approximately five feet in length and comprises 17 lines inscribed in Old Kannada script. According to preliminary assessments, this inscription dates to the 7th century AD, specifically during the reign of Vikramaditya I of the Badami Chalukyas, who ruled between 654 and 681 AD. It serves as a vital piece of evidence attesting to the administrative and social organisation of that era,' said R Shejeshwar, deputy director of Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Kamalapur. He further said that the department received information about the inscriptions when some local villagers were using a JCB to excavate and remove soil from the bed of Madapura Lake on Tuesday. 'The inscription describes a notable act by Vikramaditya I's officer, Singhavenna, who governed the region of Ballavi. It records that Singhavenna waived certain taxes on the local villagers, demonstrating an administrative gesture aimed at promoting welfare. Additionally, it mentions a land donation of six acres made to the kings responsible for constructing the lake. The inscription also mentions that this land was historically owned by 77 families of Ballavi, shedding light on landholding patterns and community structures from over a millennium ago,' he further said. The official said that the discovery of this inscription provided valuable insights into the ancient administrative divisions and governance of the region. 'It confirms that Ballavi was a sizable administrative unit comprising approximately 70 villages, reflecting well-organized local governance during the 7th century AD. Moreover, the inscription's age—approximately 1,344 years—underscores the antiquity and historical depth of the area.' 'An intriguing feature of the inscription is the presence of an incomplete relief sculpture from the 17th century AD, located on both the front and back of the stone slab. This suggests that the site continued to hold cultural or religious significance in subsequent centuries, with later carvings adding layers to its historical narrative say officials,' Shejeshwar added.
Times of Oman
29-04-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oldest copper musical instrument discovered in Oman
Muscat: The Department of Archaeology at Sultan Qaboos University, under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) discovered a pair of complete cymbals made of copper during archaeological excavations at the site of Dahwa 7, located on the outskirts of Wadi Al Sukhn in the Wilayat of Saham, North Al Batinah Governorate. The abundant archaeological evidence on the surface indicates that the site represents a settlement of a local culture that flourished in the region between 2700 and 2000 BC. After more than 4,000 years of being buried and hidden by the early inhabitants of the Omani Peninsula, archaeological excavations have uncovered them for the first time, revealing cultural secrets and religious beliefs that have been hidden for thousands of years. The archaeological mission from the Department of Antiquities excavated a number of the settlement's buildings, confirming that the site was very prosperous and that its inhabitants relied heavily on copper mining for their livelihood, in addition to agriculture, especially palm trees, and livestock breeding. The large quantities of imported pottery from the Indus region found within the settlement indicate that the site's inhabitants had close trade relations with the flourishing Harappan civilization there. Among the four buildings excavated at the site was a small, isolated building, perched atop a high plateau overlooking the rest of the settlement's buildings located in the lower area of the settlement. Archaeological excavations revealed the general plan of the building, which consists of a rectangular room with a small entrance in its eastern wall, accessed via a rectangular threshold extending along the eastern wall. A number of architectural features were found inside the building, the most important of which was a small stone table located opposite the entrance. The table was constructed of carefully cut thin stones and covered with a layer of yellow plaster. The architectural features indicate that the building was used as a religious building, and it is one of the oldest temples discovered to date. Archaeological excavations have shown that the building witnessed two main phases of use: an early phase and a late phase. After a period of use, a new floor was built for the building, and a layer of clay was placed underneath. The cymbals found in this temple are the oldest ever found in the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant. Similar, and perhaps contemporaneous, evidence has been found in the city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley, present-day Pakistan, dating back to the third millennium BC. There is also evidence indicating the use of cymbals in the Sumerian civilization in the city of Ur in southern Mesopotamia. Archaeological evidence also indicates that the tradition of using cymbals as musical instruments was primarily associated with religious rituals, as they were used in special chants performed during various rituals since the third millennium BC. This indicates that the communities living in the Sultanate of Oman maintained close ties with major civilizations, not only commercially, but also religiously and intellectually. Geochemical analysis of cymbals from the Dahwa site confirmed that they were made of local copper, possibly brought from an area near Muscat. This discovery is significant not only because of the rarity of these artifacts, but also because of the information it provides about the cultural influences and interactions that existed between distant civilizations.
