HVK Archives: TOI: "Prehistoric man thrived here"
TOI: "Prehistoric man thrived here" - The Times of India
Gautham Machaiah
()
2 October 1996
Title : Prehistoric man thrived here
Author : Gautham Machaiah
Publication : The Times of India
Date : October 2, 1996
Extensive exploration by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Karnataka
has revealed that the pre-historic man thrived on the banks of the river
Bhima in Raichur dis- trict.
The findings assume importance because the evidence unearthed by the ASI
ranges from the second to the 18th century, which goes to prove that this
area was trader continuous occupation right from the pre-historic times.
However, the Karnataka government's move to construct a barrage across the
river has led to concern among archae- ologists, who worry that these
findings of great histori- cal significance may be submerged by the
backwaters. As ASI superintending archeologist K.B. Poonacha, who led the
exploration puts it, "This region is the, chronologi- cal watch-dog of
India."
Excavation in Sannati, Kanaganahalli and Hasaragundi vil- lages has thrown
light on the pre, proto, early historic and mediaeval cultural assemblages
and the architectural activities spanning nearly 17 centuries.
The findings in Hasargundgi and Kanaganahalli indicate that Buddhism not
only existed, but flourished in this part of Karnataka. The remains of an
ancient stupa prove this. The stupa exhibits art expressions of the
Hinayana phase, where the Buddha is depicted symbolically in the form of
an elephant, tree and an empty throne under the Bodhi tree.
Among the antiquities recovered are the sculpture of the pregnant maya
(the Buddha's mother) and the Buddhapada, an impression of Mahavira's
feet. The carving found in the stupa depicts the birth of the Buddha.
"The sculptural representations offer a glimpse of the then contemporary
monastic life, various apparels of the Buddhist monks, costumes, coiffures
and weaponry. The excavation of the stupa opens up a new colourful
chapter in the early history of Karnataka with special reference to the
Buddhist art and architecture," adds Mr Poonacha.
In Hasargundgi, the excavation has yielded pre-historic tools and a lime
stone structure. Interestingly, the land is under active cultivation,
with the farmers una- ware of the rich heritage that lies a few feet
below. In fact, precious evidences like shafts and pillar bases found by
farmers have been dumped in a corner. in some areas the upper layers of
the structure have been de- stroyed due to farming.
"Most important of all is the occurrence of fairly large quantities of
lead and potin coins indicating that the region had gained sufficient
prominence as a trade and religious centre open to cultural exchange and
business transactions."
A study of the sculpture provides information on the dress habits of that
period. The upper half of the body was usually naked except for the monks.
The elite had elaborate hair styles. They wore heavy ornaments from the
waist to the elbow and their ankles were covered with anklets. "But the
sculptor excels in capturing the various moods of animals like birds in
flight, trotting camels and galloping antelopes."
With the threat of the Bhima backwaters looming large over the site, Mr
Poonacha has proposed an extensive survey of the area in order to draw up
plans to salvage and preserve these "invaluable art treasures" for poster-
ity either by transplanting them at a safer place or shifting them to a
museum.
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