Madurai :
Green Walk, an NGO recently conducted a nature walk aimed at creating awareness about ancient rock sculptures in the district by holding a ‘rock fest’ at the foothills of Samanar hills in Keelakuyilkudi.
According to Muthukrishnan, the organiser, people in Madurai are not aware about the existence of rock sculptures in 40 locations, for which lots need to be done.
“Today, people consider the historic caves and rock sculptures as places to enjoy their drinks and litter the vicinity. We need to first educate the people and enlighten them with importance of Tamil scripts inscribed by our forefathers. Importance of such rock sculptures must be spread as people view these great rocks as mere slabs of granite worth only for paving pavements and floors,” he said.
Till 13 years ago, people carried out quarrying work at Samanar hills which has sculptures of Thirthankaras and Mahavira. “Such rock sculptures hold water beneath them and quarry work disturbs the ecosystem and thereby people need to know the importance of the inscription of Samanar hills,” said Muthukrishnan.
Theodore Baskaran, an environmental thinker said, “Samanar hills has a rare ‘Vattezhuthu’ inscription which dates back to the third century BC. People need to understand its importance and not neglect this historical place in Madurai.”
According to the archaeological expert S Santhalingam, after the advent of Saivism in Madurai the Jains sought refuge in Samanar hills, where they created sculptures of Thirthankaras and Mahavira, for worship.
Diana Jayanth, a professor of Aachi International School in Usilampatti said, “About 50 students from schools in and around Madurai participated in the heritage walk. Parents are playing a vital role in sending their children to such walks since it is important for the students to know the various historic places and its significance.” She has penned a poem on these important ancient structures through which students can be updated and hopes it will work towards the protection of these ancient sculptures which are invaluable.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / TNN / October 07th, 2014