Date:02/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040255020500.htm

Kerala

Edakkal caves reopen

A Correspondent

Kalpetta: Edakkal caves in Wayanad were reopened on Tuesday. The caves had remained closed to the tourists from March 25 for cleaning .

The cleaning operation was led by Hemachandran Nair, superintending archaeologist of the State Archaeology Department and D. Mohanan Nair, excavation officer of the Department.

In December, when semi-metal deposits up to 90 centimetres deep were removed, 40-odd new wall engravings were discovered on two of the three wall-faces of the caves.

Last week, a 4-foot wide trench, 80 centimetres deep, was dug around the wall-faces. A round stone chisel and some shards of pottery were found. An engraving in Brahmi script was also revealed.

These new findings are being analysed to asses their antiquity and relevance to the drawings that already exist in the cave. A report on the analysis would be available in a few months, Dr. Hemachandran Nair said. It is also reported that 12th Finance Commission has proposed an allotment of Rs.50 lakhs from the Heritage Preservation Fund for the renovation and preservation of Edakkal caves.