‘Protect Moonandipatti Rock Paintings’ – The Hindu

The Centre for Heritage and Ecological Research through Arts and Literature (Cheral), Madurai, has urged the State government to protect the Moonandipatti Rock Paintings in Theni district and declare the site as a protected archaeological monument.

In a press release, Cheral said Moonandipatti is located in Pulimankombai panchayat in Andipatti taluk in Theni district. On the way from Vadaku Moonandipatti to Nagamalai Ayyan Temple there is a hillock locally known as Nagamalai. At a height of about 50 feet is a naturally formed rock shelter Manguni Pudavu containing prehistoric red and white ochre-coloured rock paintings.

The Rock Paintings are located along an ancient trade route running along the banks of Vaigai river. The rock paintings, Megalithic burial monuments found in the surrounding areas, and the Pulimankombai hero stones (Nadukal) dating to 4th–3rd centuries BCE constitute important archaeological evidence reflecting the lifestyle and cultural practices.

However, the Rock Paintings are gradually being damaged due to natural factors as well as human activities, owing to the absence of adequate protection and conservation measures, Cheral said and urged the State government to declare the site as a Protected Archaeological Monument under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Recently, Cheral conducted ‘Nature Heritage Walk’ at Thirumalai hill located in Thirumalai Koneripatti panchayat in Sivaganga taluk in Sivaganga district. It is home to a range of historical and archaeological remains belonging to different periods. The need to have the monuments officially declared as protected archaeological monuments and ensure their conservation was highlighted.