Figure of a prehistoric human discovered on a hill in the presence of Jadmadugu Akkama

Chickballapura district's Bagepalli taluk is surrounded by natural forests and hills, containing many prehistoric sites, including the Neolithic and Megalithic periods. These include several habitation sites and Megalithic sites like Pandavagudi, Panduvalagullu, Valiveedu, Voriyar's house, Kalmane, Nilasugal, a monolithic circular structure, along with Osteo-anthropoid figures from the Megalithic period.

Anthropomorphic figures (Megalithic burials) from the Megalithic period are found on Gujjepalli Jadamadugu Akkamma Betta in the Bagepalli taluk. About eighteen kilometers east of Bagepalli, slightly off the path to Patapalya, northwards, lies the hill. Further down, about six kilometers off the road, lies a cluster of hills including Kotturu, Guddipalli route. One can reach this hill by following a path that runs along Kalanitari, which appears like a long, protruding stone. This path, which runs from east to west, can be quite steep. However, it is the closest route. From Kotturu, heading south, one can traverse through the undulating terrain along with hills westwards and then southwards to reach this hill. Even though a clear vector is absent, one must follow the trail of rocks. While on this path, one can witness a diverse array of boulders and caves, though it can be a rather risky route.

Overall, navigating the rugged, steep, and boulder-strewn path leads to an area with massive boulders and rocks that seem to be carved by nature in various styles. Located in the heart of a forest, this hill's peak offers an expansive, flat area. From here, one can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the refreshing, invigorating breezes settle a weary mind. On this vast expanse, one encounters a site of Megalithic anthropoid figures.

Background of the Place Name:

This hill is close to the Gujjalamuddu Akkamma Betta, where rainwater and other water sources converge, forming a raging Gujjalamuddu River. As the hill is situated near this river, it is known as Gujjalamuddu Betta. The hill is also known as Akkamma Betta because it is believed to have been a place where Neolithic axes (Neolithic Axes) were worshipped or venerated. The local people place these axes on the hills and offer their prayers.

Anthropomorphic Figures Megalithic burials:

The numerous structures in this place are lost completely, only two remaining. These are Megalithic Anthropomorphic Figures, unique and rare specimens filled with variety and peculiarity. Many structures’ stone slabs are destroyed. The first one is a cist made of large stone slabs lining a rectangular structure measuring eight square feet made of four stones. The top stone is around ten square feet. Each stone is about four inches thick. On the eastern stone, a well is carved with a diameter of about one and a half feet. Around this rectangular cist made of stone slabs are arranged large stones like petals of a flower, with a slight inward curve at its centre like the layers of a flower bud. Five concentric circles of stones are created. Stones in the first circle near the rectangular cist are about fifteen feet high and ten feet wide. Between these are small stones about five feet high and four feet wide. Only three stones out of the three surrounding the rectangular cist are connected to it. However, stones facing east and the small circles of stones are situated about two and a half feet apart.

The second circle consists of eight stones, measuring seven feet long and seven feet wide. There are ten small stones between them, three feet high and three feet wide. The thirteen stones of the third circle are about five feet high and four feet wide. Humans have apparently used all the stones in the third circle to express various emotions, making it a truly anthropomorphic display. It can be considered a part of Anthropomorphism. The small stones between them measure three feet high and two feet wide. The fifteen stones of the fourth circle are about four feet high and three feet wide. But the small stones between them are missing, lost now. There is about a foot and a half of space between each row of stones. Below this space, small stones are placed and on top, large stones are placed to ensure the stones are firmly placed and hold the structure together by preventing them from toppling over.

These stone caskets use fairly large stones which are about four inches thick. The tip height of the stones in the outer circle gradually reduces towards the inner circle. Due to the addition of two to three feet thick base layer beneath and top layer of flat stones, it is assumed to be a form of raised platform funerary structure. Water seeping into the grave is prevented by placing the stones over a smooth, flat platform.

Similar burial site remnants are found near Somwarpet in Madikeri District, also at Kumti in Kudligi taluk of Ballari District, and in Badami, Aihole region of Bijapur. The Akkammapett Anthropomorphic Figures are considered the fourth in this collection. Overall, these sites are diverse compared to other sites and are significant examples of Megalithic Anthropomorphic Figures. The stones used for these human settlements are carved in a really beautiful and sophisticated way.

Cairn Circle: Near this very location, hundreds of dolmens (cairn) can be found, with chambers. But all these have been destroyed by treasure hunters. Their stone graves, where cremated remains may have been found, have been completely ruined.

Red Ware: In my many field visits, when I examined these dolmens, I did not find any traces of pottery. During recent visits, I found many microscopic traces of pink pottery which are thicker than the black and red pottery ware (Black & Red ware). Both inner and outer sides are smooth, and some potsherds have lines inside a square. Based on the various pottery samples found in different locations, scholars say that people there also used these to place the ashes of the dead and store grains.

Black Ware: Along with red pottery, black pottery shards are also available. Both the inner and outer sides are completely black. These are also very thick, smooth and shiny.

Black and Red Ware: Examples with an inner black and an outer red layer have been found. While some are of common thickness, others are thick. Both sides of these shards are shiny. Scholars have identified these as being common in all major Neolithic sites in India. However, in Bagaluru taluk, Yerragundi, Poolavapalli’s Jigutt, Dharmguru College back side, Kallipalli and elsewhere, in the various large dolmens I’ve seen, black and red pottery urns have been found which are over an inch thick. Moreover, below the line of blockades stones that start from the northeast side of the Jadumduggu Akamma Betta, there are caves, and when these caves were excavated, numerous pottery fragments with characteristics of the megalithic period were discovered.

Color rock Paintings: Discovering prehistoric rock paintings and their scientific study from the paleolithic age to the modern man helps us understand the various milestones traversed by humanity. They are symbolic expressions of early man’s emotions and insights into their way of life. As I understand, such colour rock paintings are very rare in South Karnataka. But the discovery of colour rock paintings in this sacred hill of Akkamma Betta is indeed astonishing. This range of hills has hundreds of caves and rock shelters, which appear to be suitable for the habitation of early man. On one such massive boulder facing the earth, red coloured paintings have been made. But they are vague and at the bottom there is a depiction of some animal. Further exploration might bring to light more such paintings. The fear of wild boars and civets has slightly hindered the research here.

White color Pottery: At the beginning of the chain of hill ranges of blocks stone hills and the beginning of the big boulders, there are white colored pebble paintings made by sculpting stone.

Neolithic Axes: This sacred hill of Akkamma Betta has served as a habitat of the Neolithic period, as evidenced by ample archaeological findings. There is a small pond here and in front of it, on a higher ground, two small caves have been constructed. In one cave are seven axes made of black stone, believed to belong to the Akkamma community, representing the Neolithic culture, and in the other, there are two axes found placed for worship. There is a tradition of worshipping such Neolithic axes, which is practiced in Basavnakod in North Karnataka and Villagemahaddev in North India. These were probably used by Neolithic people for various daily tasks like chopping, cutting, etc. I also have three such axes with me, one polished and two rough. Two grinding stones have also been found during my research and these are with me.

Neolithic Civilization Starting Nest: This place might not be on the banks of a major river but a small stream that swells during monsoons and then calms down. The rain falling on the hills and other water sources keep this stream alive. The presence of pottery shards here indicates that the banks of this stream might have served as a meeting place for various cultures. The Neolithic tools, paintings, and remnants of mummies found here, when subjected to scientific analysis, can reveal more about the region's early history and confirm that it served as a base for diverse cultures over time.

Local Beliefs: When locals were asked about these sites located on the Jadmadgu Hill, they said that they are called Pandavagula (Pandavas' cave) because it is believed that the Pandavas resided here. Elsewhere, they are referred to as the house of the chariot-wielders, the Pandavas' house, and the Valliviedu, among other names. These massive sites from the Stone Age culture are located on top of a high hill, hence they are also called Jeegutu, with 'Jee' meaning elders. It refers to the place where the elders resided or were cremated.

Lake on the Hilltop: There is a lake at the top of the hill called Rajanala Dione, providing water for the lake. Villagers claim that it never dries up, no matter the season. The water in the lake is pristine and clean. Looking at it from another perspective, one might consider that this lake is not a natural phenomenon. It is likely that due to continuous removal of stones for human use, this lake has become a reservoir, holding rainwater, eventually becoming a lifeline for animals in later days. The lake is home to small fish, with green heads and tails, and a reddish-orange body. Such fish are rare elsewhere.

Rice Cultivation: There is a small clearing nearby, enclosed by stones, which serves as a platform for the Rajanala Dione. Naturally, rice paddy grows in this clearing. The rice grains are different, with saffron and turmeric hues. Villagers have never seen such rice anywhere else, and it could be a subject of good research for agricultural scientists.

Continued Effort: This rugged Jadmadgu Hill has been tackled three times. The first time, me and my friends, Rama Raju and Rajesh, started climbing it without any preparation. Once we came close, and started enquiring about the ledge beyond, people shouted 'Abba! Abba!', and we had to retreat. Due to diabetes and blood pressure, I especially couldn't manage in that summer heat.

The next day, we re-started the journey with biscuits, bread, fruits, and water. We asked them to guide us to the shepherds who frequent the path. However, they said, they only come in the afternoon, and if you had asked in the morning, we would have arranged for someone to join you. We said, no help needed, and started again. But as Columbus discovered the land of water, and went to the American continents, we went onto another hill, got lost and had to walk back.

Two days rest taken and the limbs repaired and started once again the ascent with courage. The villagers looked at me like dreaming and climbed three quarters up the hill. The summer heat had dried up the waterfalls. Somehow or other we had to reach the top of this hill and with that oaths the journey continued. Friends Dr. K.M. Nayaz Ahmed and Manikantan were with me. But seeing the unforgiving rock faces we decided no more exploration,no more research was needed and quickly turned back.

Continuing these adventures my legs had become painful. However I had to achieve this goal. Penugu Gudda, Kodak Gudda, Guummanayakappaali Gudda, Gadidambi Gudda terms like these for these humps of hills, I had already scaled them al. this failure could not deter me. I firmly resolved that this hill too, I had to finally reach the top and answer the question what lies above. As the guruzipalli leader, Ta.Pan. Member Sudhakar Reddy stays heres I met him and explained the situation.

I was met with support on the designated day of the climb. He sent a few villagers along with me. They took my camera, binoculars, notebook, pen and other supplies. We also had supplies of food. They showed us the correct path. I and my friend Rajesh and S.S. Set out. Since then numerous times from a research perspective I have climbed and descended this hill.