Understanding the history of a place is a complex process, especially in a place like Goa. And, if it is pre-history, then the process is even more complex. That’s what I realised when I attended the 11th edition of the Cultural and Heritage Walk, or Parikrama, at Mauxi (Mhaus) village in Sattari taluaka.
It was organised by environmentalist, writer and researcher, Rajendra Kerkar.
The walk, which was held in the precincts of the Ravalnath Temple, brought to light some fascinating details of the Neolithic Period as we explored the rock carvings on the meta basalt rock.
These rocks, located on the dry river bed of the Zarme river, offer insights into Goa’s pre-history.
These carvings mainly feature animals, such as zebus, bulls, antelopes etc. There are even carved footprints and cup rocks, or cupules, (circular cavities on a rock).
Kerkar shared interesting information, starting with Mauxi village, which is also known as Mhaus, or ‘big sugarcane’, indicating that it was a hub of sugarcane farming.
Speaking of carvings, he stated that these were first discovered by locals, like Devidas Gaonkar and others, around 20 years ago.
There are around 20 rock etchings found in this area. This art indicates the use of the bruising technique, and, even some tools have been found on this river bed.
Several researchers, including ASI officials, have visited this site, and it has been confirmed that it does indeed belong to Neolithic Period. It was also the time when humans started domesticating cattle. Thus, there are many carvings of bulls at this site.
Kerkar also stated that this site is different from the petroglyphs found at Pansaimol, on the banks of River Kushavati in Sanguem. Those are done on laterite and are believed to belong to Mesolithic Period.
Also, carvings found at Kazur, in Quepem, are done on granite stone. However, similar rock art is found at two places in Raichur in Karnataka, at Maski and Piklihal.
One of the rock art at Mauxi depicts a trident—a symbol believed to be from the Iron Age.
Kerkar then informed that among the early settlers of this place is the community called Dhawad, who were ironsmiths. This community and others were wiped out by the new settlers.
Kerkar informed that among the early settlers of this place is the community called Dhawad, who were ironsmiths. This community and others were wiped out by the new settlers.
The last site of the walk was the rock with cupules. It is worshipped outside the Puravati Temple. This rock was first found under the Kazro tree, and it pointed towards the rock art.
Researcher Nandkumar Kamat revealed that it was a nakshatracho fator (star constellation rock) as it had 27 cupules. But, after further research, it has been noted that it has 31 cupules.
Kerkar stated that there is no exact reason to explain the role of these cupules symbolise. But, they are part of various ancient civilisations all over the world. Many a time, they are part of fertility rites.
A visit to this pre-historic site is a revelation of Goa’s deeply embedded pre-history amidst the forests of the Western Ghats. We need to conserve such spaces and encourage further research to understand their role in the history of human civilisation.