Paper Details

This research paper examines the petroglyphs (images carved on rock surfaces as a form of rock art) of the Edakkal cave in Kerala, which have been traditionally traced back to as early as 6000 BCE. The paper highlights the importance of these petroglyphs and emphasizes the need to draw greater attention to historical sites like Edakkal through further archaeological research. Through motif analysis, archaeological context, stylistic examination, and ethno-archaeological comparison, this study reassesses both the cultural meaning and the chronological placement of the site. The paper focuses on the rock engravings and analyses the symbols, even when they are repeated multiple times, to interpret their meanings from the perspective of the community that created them. These carvings may have served ritualistic or other social purposes. Differences in the size, shape, and characteristics of each motif help determine whether they represent important individuals such as ritual performers, leaders, or ancestors. Animal motifs are also examined to understand whether they reflect ritual symbolism or everyday life. The central debate of this paper concerns whether the petroglyphs should be dated to the Neolithic or the Megalithic period. Using methods such as motif analysis, archaeological context, stylistic study, and ethno-archaeological comparison, the paper argues that the petroglyphs are more likely associated with the Megalithic period rather than the Neolithic period.

Petroglyphs, Prehistoric religion, Ethno-archaeology, Symbolism, Pictographs