Rock art in Rudragiri hillock

In Andhra Pradesh, a fascinating combination of prehistoric rock painting from Mesolithic period and exquisite artwork from the Kakatiya dynasty were found in the Rudragiri hillock.

Rudragiri Hillock:

• Rudragiri hillock is located in Orvakally village of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.
• It is located amidst of Eastern Ghats.
• These served as living quarters for people during the Mesolithic age around 5000 B.C. and they bear witness to the luminous rock painting of that era.
• Two natural caves are located at the southern end of the hillock which exhibit exceptional murals from the renowned Kakatiya Kingdom.

About the Caves:

• The first cave presents a narrative mural portraying the intense battle between the Vanara Brothers, Vali and Sugriva. Both figures stand on the battlefield wielding maces, their faces displaying fierce determination. Rama positioned behind Sugriva, shoots arrow at Vali.
• A Ramayana fresco depicting Hanuman lifting the Sanjeevani hill with his right-hand painted a conch and fire altars can be seen to his right and another prehistoric painting to the left.
• In the middle cave, a grand sketch of Hanuman, accompanied by sacred symbols of the conch (Sankha), and fire alters captured the visitor’s attention. Hanuman is depicted carrying the Sanjeevani Hills in the right hand and symbolising his mission to save Lakshmana’s life.
• The third cave houses the prehistoric rock paintings from the Mesolithic period.

Mesolithic period:

The Mesolithic age, also known as Middle Stone Age, was the second part of the Stone Age. The time period of this era was from 9,000 B.C. to 4,000 B.C. This age is characterised by the appearance of Microliths (small bladed stone tools). This era was a transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age. The people of this age lived on hunting, fishing and food gathering.