Archaeologists recently found over 30 grinding grooves that could date back to the Neolithic age in Salem district. Researchers discovered these marks on the Swetha Riverbed at Thammampatti. Mr. Bharath said, "The grooves serve as indirect physical evidence of stone tool manufacturing." This discovery suggests early humans lived nearby.
Over 30 grinding grooves that could date back to the Neolithic age have been found by a group of archaeologists during field surveys in Salem district recently.
Independent researchers Bharath Krishnamoorthy, Pragatheeswaran and Thilagarajan have found these grooves at the riverbed of Swetha River at Thammampatti in Gangavalli Taluk. They found more than 30 grinding grooves directly within the riverbed of Swetha River. The largest groove measures about 34 cm in length and the smallest about 6 cm. The width ranges from 13 cm to 3 cm.
Mr. Bharath said that since Swetha River is seasonal and flows primarily during the rainy season, the bedrock formations located inside the river channel were dry and exposed during the survey, allowing for clear observation and documentation. These grooves were documented with the assistance of Hrithik Raja. Early humans utilised natural rock surfaces, often situated near water channels, to refine their stone tools.
The abrasive nature of the bedrock, combined with seasonal access to water, which acted as a coolant and lubricant during grinding, provided an ideal setting for tool manufacturing. Continuous grinding and polishing over extended periods left smooth, concave linear furrows known as grinding grooves. In South India, the Neolithic period marks the final phase of the Stone Age.
During this era, human society underwent a major cultural shift, transitioning from a migratory hunting-gathering lifestyle toward agriculture and settled village life. Polished stone tools were used for land clearing, farming, and hunting during this phase. Similar grooves have been reported from archaeological sites in South India, such as Sanganakal in Ballari district and Brahmagiri in Coorg district of Karnataka, and Mayiladumparai in Krishnagiri and Javadu Hills in Tiruvannamalai of Tamil Nadu, he added.
Stating that the discovery of over 30 grinding grooves inside the Swetha riverbed highlights a strong possibility of Neolithic human presence and activity in the area, Mr. Bharath said the grooves serve as indirect physical evidence of stone tool manufacturing. This finding paves the way for future systematic explorations and excavations along the elevated terraces of the Swetha River valley to locate associated settlement mounds and material culture, he added.