The Konkan region, stretching along the Arabian Sea coast in western India, is home to an extraordinary collection of ancient rock art known as petroglyphs. These carvings, etched into the laterite plateaus of Maharashtra and Goa, offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the area’s early inhabitants.
Dating back potentially 10,000 to 12,000 years, these petroglyphs are among the oldest known examples of rock art in India. They are primarily concentrated in the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra, with some sites also found in Goa. Over 1,500 individual carvings have been identified across more than 70 sites, seven of which are on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list.
The petroglyphs depict a wide range of subjects, showcasing the diversity of ancient life in the Konkan region. Common motifs include animals such as elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and deer. Marine life is also well-represented, with depictions of fish, sharks, and whales. Human figures and geometric patterns are also prevalent among the carvings.
One of the most significant sites is located in Barsu, Ratnagiri district. Here, a large carving measuring 17.5 x 4.5 meters depicts a man standing between two leaping tigers. The human figure stands 4 meters tall, with outstretched arms as if warding off the stylized cats.
The techniques used to create these petroglyphs involved removing the dark surface layer of laterite rock to reveal the lighter stone beneath. This method allowed the artists to create images visible from a distance, especially when the grooves filled with water during the rainy season.
The Konkan petroglyphs are unique in India for their open-air nature and large concentration in a relatively small area. Unlike the more common rock paintings found elsewhere in the country, these carved images have withstood millennia of weathering.
Archaeologists and historians continue to study these petroglyphs to gain insights into the Mesolithic and Neolithic cultures of the region. The carvings provide valuable information about the flora and fauna of ancient Konkan, including species that have long since vanished from the area.
The discovery and documentation of many of these sites are relatively recent, with significant findings made in just the last few years. This has led to increased interest in preserving and studying these ancient artworks. However, conservation efforts face challenges from both natural erosion and human activities, including proposed industrial developments in the region.
