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New carvings of a falcon and a snake have been identified on the rock surface of Valiyapara at Erikkulam in Madikai panchayat in Kasaragod, placing the site firmly on the archaeological map. Researchers examining the ancient Thoranam rock painting reported that the figures, likely cut with a sharp tool, were found on a large rock surrounded by grassland. The discovery was made during fieldwork by Nandakumar Koroth, history teacher and researcher at the Nehru Arts and Science College, Kanhangad, local archaeologist Satheesan Kaiyanam and archaeology students from the University of Baroda, Anagha Sivaramakrishnan and Asna Jiji. A faint human-like face has also been traced nearby. Experts note that similar carvings appear on laterite rock formations from Ratnagiri to Wayanad, where more than a thousand engravings found near the Konkan coast have been dated to over 12,000 years. Researchers say the Erikkulam carvings likely depict a hank swooping in search of prey and a snake moving through grass, etched by early inhabitants during leisure time. The falcon appears flying, one leg stretched as if preparing to land on a branch. A stone depiction of a serpent had also been reported earlier at Pampukothipara below the Nileswaram rock. Recent surveys have uncovered additional features, including over ten carved animal footprints at Ummichi and over 60 prints on a rock near Cheemeni. Last year, more than 40 pairs of footprints were identified at Kanhirapoyil. With the latest findings, Kasaragod district now has two documented rock engravings. Researchers warn that without timely conservation, these relics risk irreversible loss. Kasaragod is also considered rich in megalithic heritage, with about a thousand monuments linked to the ‘Mahashila’ culture. Earlier this year, bone fragments and ancient objects surfaced during Jal Jeeven Mission pipeline work, believed to date back nearly 2,000 years. At Manimoola in Badaduka, the excavations using earthmovers revealed rock-cut chambers in which artefacts, including clay pots, a lid resembling a large vase, a three-stone iron stove stand, and remnants of iron tools such as a penknife, were found. The presence of undecayed bone fragments, considered rare in laterite rock-cut chamber sites, has been described as a significant find. Similar remains have previously been recovered from the Megalithic Nannangadi burial sites across South India.
