Petroglyphs discovered near megalithic umbrella stone site at Peralam-Kozhummal

A team of archaeologists from the Department of Archaeology has discovered petroglyphs engraved on a granite rock near the recently restored umbrella stone site at Peralam-Kozhummal in Kannur district.

The Department of Archaeology undertook a scientific investigation and restoration of seven Megalithic umbrella stones at Peralam-Kozhummal in the Karivellur area. The discovery was made during a survey by the department in the region. The engravings were found while a granite rock was being cleared on a house plot located south of the umbrella stone site.

The motifs have not yet been conclusively identified, as part of the engraved surface is severely weathered. The engravings cover an area of approximately 10 square metres.

According to K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer-in-charge at the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum under the Kerala State Archaeology department, who is the coordinator of the survey team, the style of the engravings closely resembles the petroglyphs at the renowned Ettukudukka site. He noted that the petroglyphs at Ettukudukka depict cattle, while those at Ariyittapara include deer and anthropomorphic figures.

“Looking at the engravings, it appears to be a running animal,” Mr. Krishnaraj said.

E. Dinesan, Director of the Department of Archaeology, who visited the site, said that further exploration was needed to determine the nature and extent of the archaeological remains.

Mr. Dinesan said the discovery was significant because two known petroglyph sites—Ettukudukka and Ariyittapara—are located close to the umbrella stone site. The newly discovered engravings could provide valuable insights into the prehistoric cultural landscape of the region and require further archaeological investigation.