<p>Ballari: An ashmound of neolithic age, dating back to 4,000 to 5,000 years, located near the Sangankallu Hiregudda on the outskirts of Ballari, has been completely destroyed.</p><p>The ashmound was situated on survey number 160(B) land within the jurisdiction of Sirivara Gram Panchayat in Moka Hobli of Ballari taluk. Venkateshwarlu and Venkatarayudu jointly own the land. The mound was demolished to level the land by filling a pit on the property.</p><p>Upon learning of the incident, members of the ‘Robert Bruce Foote Sangankallu Archaeological Museum’ in Ballari visited the site and were shocked to find the ashmound levelled. They have informed the district administration, State Department of Archaeology Museums & Heritage about the incident.</p><p>Following instructions from district officials, local authorities visited the site for inspection. The landowners, unaware of the ashmound’s significance, destroyed it. Officials informed DH that the mound had been almost entirely destroyed.</p><p>In 2012, the government declared the prehistoric sites, ashmoulds, and sites in Sangankallu, Sirivara, and Kappagallu villages as protected sites. Despite regulations prohibiting any development within a 100-metre radius, allegations have surfaced that the landowners violated these rules.</p><p>Before Sangankallu’s declaration as a protected site, two ashmounds had already been destroyed. Now, the third ashmound has also been demolished. Attempts to get a response from the State Archaeology Department were unsuccessful.</p><p>Archaeological Survey of India’s Hampi Circle Superintending Archaeologist Nikhil Das expressed deep shock over the incident. “This is an unfortunate incident. The Karnataka State Department of Archaeology must take action. I have instructed our officials to visit the site for inspection and requested the landowner to take protective measures,” he stated.</p><p><strong>What is an ashmound?</strong></p><p>During the Neolithic period, there was a culture of worshipping Nandi. These structures emerged with the advent of agriculture and animal husbandry. Ash, dung, and other materials were piled and periodically burned, forming mounds over time. These mounds are found only in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as per archaeologist Dr Korisettar.</p>
<p>Ballari: An ashmound of neolithic age, dating back to 4,000 to 5,000 years, located near the Sangankallu Hiregudda on the outskirts of Ballari, has been completely destroyed.</p><p>The ashmound was situated on survey number 160(B) land within the jurisdiction of Sirivara Gram Panchayat in Moka Hobli of Ballari taluk. Venkateshwarlu and Venkatarayudu jointly own the land. The mound was demolished to level the land by filling a pit on the property.</p><p>Upon learning of the incident, members of the ‘Robert Bruce Foote Sangankallu Archaeological Museum’ in Ballari visited the site and were shocked to find the ashmound levelled. They have informed the district administration, State Department of Archaeology Museums & Heritage about the incident.</p><p>Following instructions from district officials, local authorities visited the site for inspection. The landowners, unaware of the ashmound’s significance, destroyed it. Officials informed DH that the mound had been almost entirely destroyed.</p><p>In 2012, the government declared the prehistoric sites, ashmoulds, and sites in Sangankallu, Sirivara, and Kappagallu villages as protected sites. Despite regulations prohibiting any development within a 100-metre radius, allegations have surfaced that the landowners violated these rules.</p><p>Before Sangankallu’s declaration as a protected site, two ashmounds had already been destroyed. Now, the third ashmound has also been demolished. Attempts to get a response from the State Archaeology Department were unsuccessful.</p><p>Archaeological Survey of India’s Hampi Circle Superintending Archaeologist Nikhil Das expressed deep shock over the incident. “This is an unfortunate incident. The Karnataka State Department of Archaeology must take action. I have instructed our officials to visit the site for inspection and requested the landowner to take protective measures,” he stated.</p><p><strong>What is an ashmound?</strong></p><p>During the Neolithic period, there was a culture of worshipping Nandi. These structures emerged with the advent of agriculture and animal husbandry. Ash, dung, and other materials were piled and periodically burned, forming mounds over time. These mounds are found only in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as per archaeologist Dr Korisettar.</p>
