Project SKaAT

Project SKaAT SKaAT: Showcasing Karnataka’s Ancient Treasures. A project supported by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Karnataka.

In the rich tapestry of Karnataka's history, hidden beneath its sprawling landscapes, lie the invaluable treasures of our prehistoric past. Prehistoric sites are vital in comprehending human history and culture. They offer invaluable glimpses into the lifestyles, beliefs, and practices of our ancestors, helping us understand early human existence, migration patterns, technological advancements, so

cial structures, and artistic expressions. Preserving and exploring these sites enriches our understanding of our shared heritage and the profound legacy left by our predecessors. This page showcases some extraordinary prehistoric remains of Karnataka!!

16/04/2026

In 2024, during a walk along the coast of Kumta, something unusual caught Dinesh's attention.

Marks on the rock surface that didn’t seem natural.

At the time, it was just an observation. Something to return to, understand better. So he held on to it, spoke to historians, and let the process take its time.

What he was looking at turned out to be far more significant.

Spread across this surface are more than 1000 cupmarks, forms that closely resemble similar findings along Karnataka’s coast, in places like Buddanajeddu, Avalakki Paare and Karuru. Based on these parallels, they are now believed to belong to the Mesolithic period.

This is one of those moments where a casual walk turned into something much larger.

And now, as we prepare to release Ancient Karnataka, we’re finally ready to share it.

Follow as we continue bringing such landscapes closer to you.

[Explore, Karnataka, Prehistoric, Archaeology, History, Cupmarks, Cupules, Kumta, Coastal Karnataka, Videography, Documentary, Short Feature, Ancient Karnataka, Ancient India, Explore Karnataka, Travel Karnataka, Sony]

10/04/2026

In Karnataka’s Chintamani, Konankuntlu hill carries clear signs of human presence from thousands of years ago.

Dolmens, stone circles, rock shelters, and rock paintings are spread across this landscape, quiet markers of how this region was once lived in.

It’s a place where different layers of the past still remain visible, if you take the time to notice.

With what survives here today, this is also a landscape that calls for careful conservation.

Follow as we continue documenting such sites across Karnataka.

[Chintamani, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, Rock Paintings, Travel Karnataka, Explore Karnataka, Prehistoric Sites, Archaeology, Ancient Karnataka, Hu**ed Bull, Indian archaeology, ASI, Red Ochre, Neolithic]

Part 5: This shelter isn’t easy to spot.On the way to Rakkasa Cave in Hirebenakal, slightly off the path, this rock surf...
07/04/2026

Part 5: This shelter isn’t easy to spot.

On the way to Rakkasa Cave in Hirebenakal, slightly off the path, this rock surface carries numerous paintings across it. Reaching it takes a bit of effort, but the surface holds a range of forms that are seen across the region.

Among them is also a white painting, believed to belong to a later phase.

Like many shelters here, this one sits within a landscape that spans from the Mesolithic to the early historic period.

This is Part 5 of our Hirebenakal series.

Follow as we continue bringing these shelters closer to you.

[Hirebenakal, Hampi, Koppal, Ancient Karnataka, Prehistoric, Prehistory, India, Explore Karnataka, Explore India, Rock Paintings, Red Ochre, Ancient Rock Art, Rock Art, Rock Shelter]

Hirebenakal is often spoken about for its megalithic settlement. But the landscape holds much more.The region is believe...
03/04/2026

Hirebenakal is often spoken about for its megalithic settlement. But the landscape holds much more.

The region is believed to be filled with rock shelters that were once inhabited from the Mesolithic to the early historic period. Many of these shelters carry paintings that continue to shape how this landscape is understood today.

During our work here last year, we came across something unexpected. In two of these shelters, we documented white paintings — a form that is seen across different parts of India, often found on ceilings with simple human figures.

These paintings are still debated in terms of their age. Some scholars place them in the later megalithic to early historic phases, adding another layer to the already complex timeline of Hirebenakal.

This is part of our ongoing series from the Hirebenakal hills, bringing one shelter at a time closer to you.

Follow as we continue documenting these landscapes.

[Rock paintings, Lime, Prehistoric, Ancient Karnataka, Travel Karnataka, India, Explore, Hirebenakal, Hampi, Koppal, Archaeology]

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