Karnataka: Prehistoric traces found in Davanagere district

BENGALURU: Three independent archaeologists and history researchers have unearthed what they claim are traces from the prehistoric period on a hillock in Akanur village of Jagalur taluk, Davanagere.
Their discovery includes pottery shards, stone axes and rock art petroglyph depicting humans, animals and rituals, which are being examined. The trio is awaiting formal approval from Archaeological Survey of India for further excavation.
Describing the discovery a lucky find, Seema Rehaman, a budding archaeologist who has specialised in epigraphy, told TOI: "I had gone to Jagalur from Bengaluru during the lockdown and decided to do some research in the area which is known for its historical findings. Rehaman spent a few days on the hillock in Akanur and discovered petroglyph depiction on the rocks. She soon alerted researcher Shruthesh Acharya from Moodubelle in Udupi with photographs of the site. Archarya and archaeology scholar Supritha KN from Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru reached Akanur and the trio along with two helpers combed the hill.
"We discovered a stone axe and pieces of pottery which we believe are from the neolithic period. The place also had pottery pieces and burial signs and figures from the megalithic age. But precise chronology can't be determined unless a detailed excavation and study are conducted," Acharya explained.
The trio spotted traces during their two-day exploration. "We are not authorised to excavate the area without permission from ASI. We don't intend to explore further without experts as these are precious and sensitive traces from our past," Supritha said.