Megalithic period rock carvings discovered at Erikulam Valiyapara in Madikkai panchayat of Kasaragod district.
A fresh inspection by the Kerala State Archaeological Department at Erikulam Valiyapara in Madikkai panchayat has confirmed that the megalithic period carvings discovered here show the figures of a cow and a deer carved on a 20 square meter hard laterite rock. The south-facing carvings are very similar to those recorded earlier at Ettukudukka and Ariyittapara.
The latest find builds on discoveries made a month ago by historical researcher Nandakumar Koroth, Satheesan Kaliyanam and University of Baroda students Asna Jiji and Anagha Sivaramakrishnan, who reported carvings resembling a falcon and a snake. However, officials now say that earlier interpretations were incorrect and that the carvings are actually those of a cow and possibly a deer.
The inspection was carried out by a team led by K. Krishnaraj, Pazhassi Raja Museum Officer, Kozhikode, along with Archeology Department Excavation Assistant VA Vimalkumar, Museum employee TP Nibin and local archaeologist Satheesan Kaliyanam.
Mr Krishnaraj says the discoveries add weight to the evidence that Valiyapara was an important site in a centuries-old tradition of rock art carved with sharp tools across red laterite formations stretching from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra to Wayanad in Kerala. The engraving points to a shared artistic and cultural practice that spanned the west coast and its interior. The team documented different parts of the site and said that photographs from different parts of the rock will be subjected to detailed analysis.
Besides, the department inspected footprint-shaped carvings near Kanhirapoil and several small cave structures etched into the laterite formation in different parts of Madikkai panchayat. These features, officials say, could provide further insight into the prehistoric activity that once flourished in the region.
Experts believe that deeper scientific studies may reveal more carvings across the site. Local archaeologist Satheesan Kaliyanam highlighted the historical value of the region and urged the authorities to initiate measures to protect the Valiyapara rock, noting that its importance is underscored by the growing interest from researchers and students. He also pointed out the accumulation of laterite quarries in the vicinity and warned that such activities pose a threat to the megalithic landscape spread over several acres.
Published – 25 Nov 2025 21:20 IST
