Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Art & Culture
Why in News?
Recently, The Centre for Heritage and Ecological Research through Arts and Literature (Cheral) has urged the Tamil Nadu government to declare Jakkammal Karadu for a dual recognition.
- Jakkammal Karadu – It is a historically significant hill and archaeological site.
- Location – Andipatti, Theni district, Tamil Nadu.
- Dual recognition
- It is to be recognised as an Archaeological protected monument under the Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966,
- Biodiversity heritage site under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Archaeological Significance
- Evidence of Human Habitation – The hill shows continuous human presence from the Neolithic period (early stone age) up to recent times.
- Archaeological Discoveries
- Neolithic tools and Megalithic potsherds found on the site.
- Megalithic cave paintings (white pigment) on the northern side of the hill.
- A 9th‑century Jain Tirthankara sculpture on the western side.
- A 400‑year‑old hero stone near the hill.
- Current scenario – These relics are decaying due to lack of protection and without conservation, they face the risk of disappearing permanently.
Quick Facts
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The Centre for Heritage and Ecological Research through Arts and Literature (Cheral)
- It is a Madurai-based non-profit research organization.
- The centre champions the ecological conservation of indigenous habitats.
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Reference
The Hindu| Jakkammal Karadu
