MALLAPPADI SHELTER
12.833300,77.866700
Description
A relatively shallow rock shelter is said to contain »cave paintings« (rock art) on a ceiling (RAMAN, K V 1981) SITUATION: At a place called »Mallappadi« (note 1), which is said to lie somewhere near »Barugur« (note 2) and at unspecified travelling distances along the National Highway connectiong Madras (saffronised Chennai 13°05'N: 80°17'E) via Krishnagiri (12°32'N: 78°14'E) to Bangalore (12°59'N: 77°35'E). ARCHAEOLOGY - rock art: »Cave paintings« in light yellow kaolin depict a pair of fighting horsemen and an armoured human figure in addition to a blurred splotch termed »bull« (RAMAN, K V 1981). Archaeological excavation of a nearby »cave« or daylight-lit rock shelter yielded neolithic / later Meghalithic occupational remains (lithic tools?) and therefore the rock art is »dated« (RAMAN, K V 1981) to the later phase of the Southern Neolithic or the early Iron Age.
NOTE 1: »Mallappadi« (RAMAN, K V 1981) is not identified unless it corresponds to Malaipattu 12°55'32”N: 80°00'29”E, AMS sheet ND44-14 Melpadi 13°04'N: 79°17'E, AMS sheet ND44-10 Melpatti 12°52'N: 78°46'E, AMS sheet ND44-13. NOTE 2: »Barugu« (RAMAN, K V 1981) or Bargur and Barguru near 12°33'N: 78°22'E on AMS sheet ND44-13 Bangalore (U502 series, 1959 edition) is indicated as »Bargur« on the India Road Atlas (Eicher Goodearth 2006: 112 C5).
Caves nearby
| Distance (km) | Name | Length (m) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33.4 | Ulsoor Caves (Sri Gavi) | ||
| 35.0 | RAJAJESHWARI GUHA | ||
| 36.5 | GANGADARESHWARA (Sri Gavi) | ||
| 62.8 | CHANNA RAYA CAVE | ||
| 87.2 | NAIKANERI, Naikanairy, Naikenairy, Nakennairy, Nayakanerri, Nayakkaneri (Cave at) | ||
| 124.2 | MAHENDRAVADI ROCK-CUT TEMPLE | ||
| 124.2 | Vilapakkam, Vellor (Caves at) | ||
| 124.2 | SARAKKUMPARAU CAVES | ||
| 124.2 | PERUMAGAI CAVES |