Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Archaeologist Urges Heritage Status for Six Coastal Karnataka Sites
Imagine finding old drawings and special ancient tombs in places near the sea in Karnataka, India.
An archaeologist named Prof. Murugeshi is asking the government to protect six of these special places.
These places have drawings on rocks made by people a very, very long time ago, and also ancient burial sites.
Some of these places are even in wildlife parks.
Prof. Murugeshi found many of these sites himself and says they are super important for understanding how people lived long ago.
He is worried that some places, like one with ancient tombs, might be destroyed by stone quarrying.
Protecting these sites will help us learn more about the history of this area.
Archaeologist Prof. T. Murugeshi has requested the declaration of six coastal Karnataka sites as heritage monuments.
The sites, located in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada districts, are significant for prehistoric and megalithic eras.
Key discoveries include prehistoric rock art, Neolithic tools, and Megalithic dolmen burials.
The Madmalpade site faces a threat from large-scale stone quarrying, prompting an urgent call for protection.
These sites are crucial for understanding the region's ancient history and cultural evolution.
- Who
- Archaeologist and researcher Prof. T. Murugeshi and other researchers
- What
- Urging the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums to declare six major archaeological sites along the Karnataka coast as notified heritage monuments.
- When
- The request has been made recently.
- Where
- Six sites in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka.
- Why
- To protect and preserve the national and historical significance of these prehistoric and megalithic sites, and to allow for further research into regional history and civilization.
- Urgent Preservation Call
- Six archaeological sites along Karnataka's coast need protection as notified heritage monuments.
- Key Sites Identified
- Avalakkipare, Buddhanajeddu, Gavali, Madmalpade, Moodukonaje, and Baradakallu Bole.
- Geographic Spread
- Sites located in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada districts.
- Historical Significance
- Represent prehistoric and megalithic cultural phases, including rock art and burial sites.
- Threats Identified
- Large-scale stone quarrying poses a risk to the Madmalpade site.
- Discoveries Highlighted
- Includes rock art, Neolithic tools, Megalithic dolmen burials, and terracotta figurines.