GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Culture
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.805
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.3.2012
CHAITRA 1, 1934 (SAKA)
Preservation of Granite Rock Shelters in Karnataka

805. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a)    Whether painted granite rock shelters dating back to the Neolithic and Megalithic periods have been discovered in Karnataka In the last two years;

(b)   If so, the details thereof;

(c)    Whether these painted rock shelters are in danger due to mining in those regions; and

(d)   If so, the steps being taken by Government to preserve this precious heritage?

ANSWER
MINISTER-OF HOUSING AND URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND MINISTER OF CULTURE
(KUMARI SELJA)

(a)   & (b) Yes, Sir. The painted granite rock shelters dating back to the Neolithic and Megalithic periods have been discovered at Kadebagilu hillock a Neolithic settlement in the limits of Anegondì village of Gangavati Taluk, Raichur District in Karnataka in the year 2009-2010 at Chikrampur 5 km due west of Kadebagilu. The site is not protected by the ASI. The painting at Kadebagilu done in deep brown to red ochre on a boulder perched on top of the hillock exhibits two phases and depict animals like buffalo, stag horse rider, dog, peacock and a group of dancing human figures in two tiers.

(c)    Yes, Sir. Due to recent mining activity in the adjacent hill, carried out in and around the group of rock shelters at Chikrampur, 5 km west of Kadebagilu near Anegondi was endangered.

A state protected site at Venkatapura in the World Heritage Site at Hampi was also in danger by such quarrying.

(d)   The District Authorities, of Bellary District have issued prohibitory orders for banning the mining activity. At present the mining activity has been stopped at the site.