Edakkal Cave Paintings, Tiger Cult and Tribal Life; An Anthropo- Linguistical Analysis on Mullukuruma Tribe

Author: Archana T.R. (The Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, India)
Speaker: Archana T.R.
Topic: Anthropological Linguistics
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2020 General Session

Abstract

Edakkal cave paintings are the most important natural early historic paintings in Kerala. These engraved paintings are considered as pictured in the Mesolithic period. This study is based on the images and pictographs of the converted edakkal cave museum. This study is detailing about the tribal images and its ancient oral traditions with the connection of tribal life. This study is based on the previous studies and observations of the experts on Mullukuruma Tribe along with the tribal life and myths.

Through a personal visit on the site, a detailed study including recording and observation of the engraved pictographs and images were done. To collect the data, an in depth interview and participate observation were conducted in the Ambalavayal Mullukuruma settlement.

Beautiful human figures, animals, carts, pictographs are engraved inside the cave. The human figures have some distinctive features. Weapons, ornaments, turbans decorated with feathers are engraved on this human figures. These attributes are representing the tribal social system. There are some inscriptions written in brahmi script is seen here. These inscriptions reveals information about the ancient tribal clans and tiger cult.

Keywords: megalithic, petroglyphy, tiger cult