The color of the rock paintings of ‘Lakhudiyar’ in Almora faded.
The ancient rock paintings of ‘Lakhudiyar’, the historical heritage of Uttarakhand, are on the verge of extinction. This prehistoric site located on the banks of Suyal River in Almora has thousands of years of history in danger due to the lack of tourists and security personnel.
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‘Lakhudiyar Cave’ has preserved the history of primitive man for thousands of years. This group of one lakh caves is one of the most important prehistoric sites of the state. The pictures that Stone Age humans carved with their fingers on the rocks here still provide information about their social life, hunting methods and geometric symbols. The surprising thing is that while modern paints fade after a few years, these rock paintings are still visible even after enduring thousands of years of sun and rain.
Rock paintings of human figures at ‘Lakhudiyar’.
‘Human negligence’ weighs heavily on heritage
This heritage is being affected more by human activities than by natural loss. See the irony, the very history that tourists come here to see is destroying it. Many anarchists are making marks on the wall with stones and writing their names. Due to tourists repeatedly touching the rock paintings, their colors and texture are getting spoiled. Earlier, a PRD jawan was deployed here for security, but since his removal, this place has become a den of anti-social elements.
This is how rock paintings started getting blurred in Almora.
Archeology Department sent DPR thrice
Regional Archaeological Officer Chandra Singh Chauhan said that Lakhudiyar is a state protected monument, but due to acute shortage of staff, it is impossible to monitor it 24 hours. he adds –
Till now, we have prepared DPR thrice and sent it to the government through the agency responsible for chemical treatment and conservation of rock paintings. Once approved, the paintings will be scientifically treated and a retaining wall will be built on the exterior to prevent unnecessary movement.
Warning board installed by the Archeology Department.
If you don’t wake up, you will lose your identity.
Historians and local residents believe that Lakhudiyar is not just a cave but the historical identity of Uttarakhand. If the government and administration do not take immediate concrete steps, then the day is not far when these priceless rock paintings will remain limited only to books and old photographs. It is not only the responsibility of the government but also the collective responsibility of all of us to protect this ancient heritage of ours for the coming generations.
Now know about the paintings made in Lakhudiyar…
Human figures are most prominent in Lakhudiyar’s paintings. Here humans are often depicted as ‘stick-like’. Apart from these, animal and geometric patterns are made.
The most famous scene in these rock paintings are the dancing human figures holding hands. In one scene 34 people and in the other 28 people are shown dancing together in a group. In a particular scene there are eight human figures, the first figure being the largest (20 cm) and the last being the smallest (10 cm). A high bun of hair is also visible at the back of the head of these figures, due to which it is assumed that they are women.
Stairs of ‘Lakhudiyar’ cave in Almora.
Humans in hunting posture in some pictures
Among the paintings, images of a long-snouted animal, a fox and a many-legged lizard are prominent. Apart from this, figures like deer and bull can also be seen. Some paintings show humans running or in hunting posture, which depict the struggle for life of that time.
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