2300-Year-Old Kumittipathi Rock Art

Ancient rock paintings estimated to be over 2,300 years old at Kumittipathi village in Coimbatore district remain without basic protection despite being declared a protected monument by the Tamil Nadu government last year. The site, located near the Kerala border, continues to face damage and neglect, raising concerns among historians and local residents.

The paintings, executed in white pigment, are found inside two caves on Pathimalai hill under Thirumalayampalayam town panchayat near Madukkarai. Experts believe the artwork reflects early habitation patterns and possibly indicates that the region once served as a natural habitat for elephants.

Unique Prehistoric Cave Art

The lower cave features paintings of an elephant and a chariot, while the upper cave contains human-like figures. Measuring around four feet in width and two feet in height, the artwork offers rare insights into prehistoric cultural expression in Tamil Nadu. Unlike many rock art sites hidden deep within forests, Kumittipathi is easily accessible, which has made it more vulnerable to vandalism.

Declared Protected, Yet Unsecured

In 2025, the state government notified the site as a protected archaeological monument under Section 3(1) of the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966. Officials had announced plans to fence the area and install an information board detailing its historical significance. However, no such measures have been implemented so far.

Vandalism and Environmental Damage

Photographs have shown the site being misused for cooking and gatherings, leading to smoke damage and graffiti on the cave walls. Stones were recently arranged to create a meditation space before being removed by revenue and archaeology officials. Despite intervention, local youth continue to frequent the site, further endangering the fragile paintings.

Important Facts for Exams

• Rock art in India dates back to the Mesolithic and early historic periods.
• Tamil Nadu hosts several prehistoric cave art sites, including those in the Western Ghats region.
• The Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966 protects notified heritage sites.
• White pigment in ancient rock art was often derived from lime or kaolin.

Call for Immediate Conservation Measures

Archaeology department officials have reiterated plans to install fencing, post security personnel and erect an information board. Conservationists stress that immediate action is essential to preserve the paintings from further deterioration. The Kumittipathi site highlights the broader challenge of safeguarding accessible heritage monuments amid growing human activity and limited on-ground enforcement.