Prehistoric grooves and rock art discovered at Mrugavani National Park near Hyderabad

Four rock grooves of possible prehistoric significance have been identified near the Banda Juvvi Watch Tower in Mrugavani National Park, Chilkur, by historian Dr Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli during a safari visit.

Hyderabad: Four deep grooves of possible prehistoric significance have been identified near the Banda Juvvi Watch Tower in Mrugavani National Park, Chilkur, during a safari visit by historian Dr. Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli.

The discovery of the site, brought to THE attention by B. Anand Kumar, Administrative Officer, Forest Department, Rangareddy district, raises the possibility of prehistoric human activity in the forested landscape surrounding Hyderabad, Dr Satyanarayana said.

The four grooves, each approximately one foot long and between two and four inches deep, occur on a plateau-like rock surface overlooking the surrounding valleys. The landscape features nearby water sources and valleys that may have supported hunting and gathering activities.

According to Dr. Dyavanapalli, the length and depth of the grooves raise the possibility that they were repeatedly used for grinding or sharpening stone implements, such as axes and other tools.

Dr. Dyavanapalli urged the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana, to conduct a systematic archaeological survey of the Banda Juvvi Watch Tower area and the nearby rock-art site. Collaboration between the Archaeology Department and the Forest Department would help facilitate scientific study while ensuring the protection of these locations within the National Park, he said.

“Discoveries of this nature deserve careful scientific investigation. The grooves, the distinctive landscape and the nearby ochre rock paintings together (warrant detailed study and documentation),” Dr. Dyavanapalli stated.