Edakkal Cave Neolithic Rock Art of Wayanad

Edakkal Caves in Wayanad's Ambukuthi hills contain one of the most important collections of prehistoric rock art in South India, with carvings dating from the Neolithic period (around 5000–6000 years ago) through to the early historic period. The engravings depict human figures, animals, tools, and geometric patterns incised into the cave walls using stone tools. Some carvings show figures in elaborate headdresses suggesting chieftainship or ritual roles. The cave is formed by a split in a massive boulder rather than true cave formation. Archaeological surveys by the Archaeological Survey of India have identified distinct stylistic layers representing multiple occupation phases. The site is a protected monument and a major heritage tourism draw for Wayanad.