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Nestled along the banks of the Kushavati River in South Goa lies one of India’s most significant prehistoric sites—the Usgalimal Rock Engravings. Discovered in 1993 after monsoon floods unveiled them, these petroglyphs offer a rare glimpse into the lives of early human settlers in the region. Dating back approximately 4,000 to 6,000 years, these engravings are attributed to the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods, marking them among the oldest known rock art in India.
Usgalimal Rock Art – Goa’s Window to Prehistoric Times
Spread over a 500-square-meter area, the site boasts over 100 distinct figures meticulously carved into laterite stone. These engravings depict a variety of motifs, including images of bulls, labyrinths, human figures, and other geometric patterns. Notably, the carvings feature representations of animals such as bulls, deer, and antelope, as well as a dancing human figure and a peacock. Some archaeologists believe that certain concentric circle patterns, known as ‘triskelions,’ may have been primitive means of measuring time.
The discovery of these engravings has significantly contributed to our understanding of prehistoric human activity in Goa. The site was brought to light when local villagers guided archaeologists to a bend in the Kushavati River, where the engravings had been concealed under layers of mud. Subsequent monsoon floods had washed away the mud, revealing the intricate carvings beneath.
Recognizing its historical importance, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken measures to promote Usgalimal as a tourist destination, while the Forest Department has declared it a protected area. Visitors to the site can explore the engravings and gain insights into the region’s ancient cultural practices.
The site is accessible via a winding pathway approximately one kilometer from the main road between Rivona and Neturlim, situated about 16 kilometers south of Rivona in the Sanguem taluka of South Goa district. One can visit Usgalimal Rock Art throughout the year, with winter months the preferred time to visit, and there is no entry fee to explore the site.
