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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Evidence of neolithic grooves discovered at ‘Kollan Paarai' near Vellakoil
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.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Neolithic grooves, Iron Age relics found in Vellakoil taluk of Tiruppur district
COIMBATORE: Relics believed to be of the Iron Age were found along with Neolithic remnants in the Vellakoil taluk of Tiruppur district by a heritage conservation group recently. Nine distinct grinding grooves (for sharpening of tools) carved into a granite rock, microlithic stone tools and cultural traces of Iron Age like iron ore slag were among the findings by the members of the Yaakkai Heritage Trust. "Archaeologists say such grooves are typical markers of the 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 our team at Thathanur in Tiruppur as well as in known sites in Naduvacheri and Kethaiarumbu, all within the Kongu region, highlighting the wider prehistoric settlement network," said Kumaravel Ramasamy, a member of the trust. The grinding grooves indicate ancient tool-sharpening and production activities likely of herding communities. "The granite at Kollan Paarai is like the rocks of the Eastern Ghats and has grooves cut into its hard surface. Surface surveys in the adjacent area called "Kollan Kadu" also yielded microlithic blade tools made of quartz, and numerous iron slag pieces. 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," said Sudhakar Nalliyappan, another member of the Trust. As the Neolithic period, which is the last period of the Stone Age, gave way to the Iron Age artefacts of both periods could be found together.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Neolithic grooves found at Adiperumal temple near Vannamparai in Tiruppur district
A significant Neolithic archaeological site, believed to be a stone tool production centre, has recently been identified and documented by Yaakkai Heritage Trust. The site is located on the premises of the Adiperumal Temple at Thathanur, and a nearby hillock known as Vannampaarai, situated in Rayarpalayam, Avinashi Taluk, Tiruppur district. The fieldwork was conducted by the Yaakkai team comprising Kumaravel Ramasamy, Sudhakar Nalliyappan, and Venkatesh Dhanapal, along with student interns from the Yaakkai Archaeological Library. Dating back to the Neolithic period, the site features remarkably high concentration of grooves believed to have been used for grinding and sharpening stone tools. Over 100 grooves have been identified at Thathanur and seven more at Vannam Paarai. While earlier evidence of Neolithic presence in Kongu Nadu was limited to references in Robert Bruce Foote's documentation and later finds near the Noyyal river valley, this discovery provides direct archaeological evidence of large-scale prehistoric tool-making activity in the region. The grooves differ in size and depth, with some notably deeper than those found in the sites at Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts, suggesting intense and prolonged use. The largest groove recorded at Thathanur measures 54 cm in length, 16.5 cm in width, and 4.2 cm in depth, while others generally range between 30-45 cm in length and 10-18 cm in width. These findings point to the site being a full-fledged Neolithic workshop, where tools were ground and polished for various agricultural and domestic purposes, supporting the broader archaeological understanding of a transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian settlements during this period. The presence of natural water sources such as springs and streams near both sites supports the typical pattern of Neolithic settlements being established in areas with reliable water access and strong rock formations. Additionally, microlithic stone tools - specifically quartz blades - were found on the surface outside the temple premises, and clusters of iron ore residues were observed near the grooves at Vannampaarai. These associated finds further reinforce the archaeological importance of the area and suggest that the region may have played a wider role in prehistoric material culture and metallurgy. The grooves at Adiperumal Temple have been assimilated into local religious traditions. Villagers regard these ancient carvings as the footprints of Lord Perumal and continue to worship them. Vannampaarai is also a ritual site today, and local oral histories indicate a pattern of alternating worship between the two locations, suggesting a shared ritual heritage rooted in antiquity. This transformation of archaeological landscapes into sacred spaces is a well-documented phenomenon across Tamil Nadu. The identification of this Neolithic production site with its high concentration of grooves, associated tool remains, and ritual continuity marks a significant addition to Tamil Nadu's prehistoric map.
