கிதுல்கலா பெலிலேனா
விளக்கம்
கிதுல்கலா பெலிலேனா, நாட்டின் மிகவும் ஈர்க்கக்கூடிய மற்றும் முக்கியமான பழங்கால குகைகளில் ஒன்றாகும், சுமார் 12,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு இழந்த வயதின் ரகசியத்தை வைத்திருக்கிறது. கொழும்பு-ஹட்டன் நெடுஞ்சாலை வழியாக சுமார் 80 கிமீ பயணம் செய்தால் குகையை அடையலாம். டாக்டர் PEP Deraniyagala வின் பார்வையை தீர்மானிப்பதற்கு குறிப்பிடத்தக்க சான்றுகள் உள்ளன, இலங்கையில் மனிதக் குடியேற்றங்கள் ப்ளீஸ்டோசீன் யுகத்தை விட பழையதாக இருந்திருக்கலாம். களனி ஆற்றை ஒட்டிய ஒரு முக்கிய மனித குடியிருப்பான கிதுல்கலா பெலிலினாவிலிருந்து கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்ட பிளீஸ்டோசீன் வயது தொடர்பான கடல் மட்டத்திலிருந்து 624 மீ உயரத்தில் வாழும் ஹோமோ சேபியன்ஸ் பற்றிய அறிவு பழங்குடியினரைப் பற்றிய அறிவை மேம்படுத்த பெரும் உதவியாக இருந்தது.
மானுடத்தின் இரண்டு புதைபடிவ எலும்புகள் 3,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு வாழ்ந்தன மற்றும் 22,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு 12,000 கி.மு. காலத்துடன் நேரடியாக உறவு கொண்டவை, பெலிலேனாவில் செய்யப்பட்ட அகழ்வாராய்ச்சியின் மூலம் அடையாளம் காணப்பட்டுள்ளன.
கூடுதல் தகவல்கள்
Discovery of Prehistoric Artifacts
A. Fa Hien-Lena: Unearthing the Origins Fa Hien-Lena, one of the earliest known sites associated with the Balangoda Man, has provided invaluable insights into the early stages of human habitation in Sri Lanka. Carbon dating of the artifacts recovered from Fa Hien-Lena suggests an age of approximately 37,000 years BP (Before the Present), marking a significant milestone in understanding the timeline of human settlement on the island.
B. Batadomba-lena: Tracing the Footprints Batadomba-lena, another prominent cave site, has yielded prehistoric tools that date back to 31,000 BP. These artifacts provide crucial evidence of the Balangoda Man's technological advancements during that era. The discoveries made at Batadomba-lena bridge the gap between the Fa Hien-Lena period and the subsequent developments in the region.
C. Other Artifacts: Uncovering the Past Alongside skeletal remains and tools, the Belilena caves have offered archaeologists a treasure trove of prehistoric artifacts. These include tools dating back to approximately 30,000 BP, shedding light on the advanced skills and resourcefulness of the Balangoda Man. The significance of these findings extends beyond Sri Lanka and contributes to our understanding of human development across Asia.
Comparison with European Origins
The discovery of tools similar to those found in Europe around 12,000 BP has challenged prevailing assumptions about the timeline of human development. The Balangoda Man of Sri Lanka, with devices dating back 19,000 years earlier, showcases a parallel path of progress. These findings emphasize the significance of the Belilena caves and their role in rewriting the narrative of human history.
Tool Kit of Balangoda Man
The tool kit of the Balangoda Man is distinguished by the presence of geometric microliths, which comprise small flakes of quartz and occasionally chert. These flakes have been skillfully fashioned into stylized lunate, triangular, and trapezoidal forms. Geometric microliths have conventionally been associated with the Mesolithic period, as first defined in Europe. However, the Belilena caves have challenged this notion.
The earliest dates for the geometric microlithic tradition in Europe are around 12,000 BP. Yet, surprisingly, similar tools have been discovered as early as 31,000 BP at Batadomba-lena, over 30,000 BP at Belilena, and 28,000 BP at two coastal sites in Bundala. This finding reveals that Europe was relatively late in manifesting this technological tradition, raising intriguing questions about the reasons behind this discrepancy. Further discoveries of geometric microliths in various parts of Africa suggest a more complex narrative of human development.
Directions to Belilena
To reach the Belilena caves, follow the road leading to Kitulgala Temple on Iyanwatta Road. From there, a trek of approximately one kilometre awaits you, leading you to the cave entrance. As you make your way through the verdant surroundings, immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty while anticipating the wonders that lie within.
The Kithulgala Belilena caves serve as a gateway to the ancient past of Sri Lanka, offering glimpses of the prehistoric Balangoda Man and their remarkable achievements. The discoveries made within these caves have challenged conventional theories, pushing back the timeline of human development in the region by thousands of years. Furthermore, by exploring the intricate details of the tools and artifacts found, we gain valuable insights into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our ancestors.
Unveiling the mysteries of Kithulgala Belilena enriches our understanding of Sri Lanka's ancient history and contributes to the broader discourse on human evolution and cultural development.
அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்
- What is the significance of the Balangoda Man? The Balangoda Man, scientifically known as Homo sapiens balangodensis, is a prehistoric human species that inhabited Sri Lanka. Their existence sheds light on the island's early stages of human settlement and cultural development.
- How old are the skeletal remains found in Belilena? The skeletal remains found in Belilena date back approximately 16,000 years, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the Balangoda Man and their way of life during that era.
- What are geometric microliths? Geometric microliths are tiny flakes of quartz and chert fashioned into stylized lunate, triangular, and trapezoidal forms. These tools are considered a hallmark of the Mesolithic period and have been found in the Belilena caves, challenging traditional notions of their origin.
- Why did the tools in Europe appear later than in Sri Lanka? The discovery of similar devices in Sri Lanka dating back thousands of years earlier than in Europe suggests that Europe was relatively late in adopting the geometric microlithic tradition. Researchers are still investigating the reasons behind this anomaly.
- Is Belilena open to the public? Yes, Belilena is open to the public. However, checking with local authorities or guides for any restrictions or necessary permits before visiting is recommended. In addition, exploring the cave requires trekking, so coming prepared with appropriate footwear and equipment is important.