6TH CENTURY CAVE DISCOVERED AT PALIEM, SIRIDAO

SIRIDAO: The discovery of another cave in Paliem, Siridao, has added to the village's history of subterranean structures. This particular cave could possibly date back to the 6-7th century AD, say archaeologists.

Located just 100 m on the western side of the National Highway on the slope of Siridao hill, the cave has been hidden by thick vegetation for several years. "Clearing of bushes a few days back has exposed the structure lying under creepers," a villager said.

"Our archaeologists have inspected the site and noted details for further studies," an ASI source said on Sunday. The structure overlooks the Siridao valley and is hardly noticeable from the busy highway. "It is a small single cell rock-cut cave," V Shivananda Rao, ASI superintending archaeologist said.

Explaining further, he said that Goa's topography is dotted with several caves, including Satari and other talukas. Caves found in Goa belong largely to Nath Panthi culture while a couple of them are Buddhist caves, especially Lamgao and Rivona. "It belongs to one of these categories and may date back to 6th or 7th century AD," Rao added. Rao and his staff took measurements and studied other details.

"The cave must have been cut from a huge single boulder for worship," he said. Its location, overlooking east, is not the only reason for this conclusion. "It must be of a religious nature but it is difficult to say anything about which religion at this stage," the ASI archaeologist said.

While some caves have openings on the hillside, this one is at the surface level on the hill slope. "Its inner walls are partly finished while dressing of walls is incomplete in some parts," he added. The cave may not be associated with megalithic culture as caves of this era are mostly in chambers below the ground level. The ASI will carry out comparative studies to assess its features.

According to a study, several caves have been found, among other places, in Sonal, Lamgao, Rivona, Divar, Pilar, Khandepar, Cundaim, Codar and Aquem. "In Goa, most caves are carved in laterite, but none have been scoped out in granite," M Deshpande, assistant superintending archaeologist, state archives and archaeology department said. Granite rocks can be found in Dudhsagar valley, Salgini and Verla in the western ghats, both in Sanguem taluka.

A small depression can be seen in the centre of the single cell cave, which can accommodate a few persons. "It may have been done to place a sculpture or idol for worship," another ASI source said.

A couple of studies by German historian, Gritli von Mitterwallner and V R Mitragotri provide some details about caves in Goa.

A cave existing near Siridao beach below Jesus Nazareth chapel is well known. Some say it was caused by the impact of water while others say it was excavated by man. "There was a legend that it connected Chicalim on the other side of the Zuari river under the water," a villager said. Another cave has been found in Chicalim, but most are skeptical about it, saying it is an old wives tale (TNN)