CHITRADURGA: A copper hand axe used by people during the Copper age or Chalcolthic age has been discovered at Ajjigudda near Garga of Hosadurga taluk.Disclosing this to Express on Saturday, Dr S Thippeswamy, researcher and assistant professor of Government Arts College, said, “The axe was discovered at a small hillock of white marble by one Rama Naik, a villager of Hanumanahatti village, when he was breaking the marble block.”The copper axe is 16.5 cm long and 2 cm and 5.8 cm wide at opposite ends. It is 1 cm thick and weighs 586 gm, he elaborated.The axe is triangular in shape and has a smooth surface finish, which is due to a dye. The axe is said to have been used for daily usage during 1500-1000 BC. Thippeswamy said, “This throws light on the ancient history of Chitradurga district. During 1909-1947, noted historians R Narasimhachar, M H Krishna conducted elaborate excavations in the district and discovered some copper equipment, but information on excavation and extraction of copper in that age is not known.”Noted archaeologist A Sundar adds, “We have not discovered any copper axe in south India; this is for the first time that an axe belonging to Chalcolthic Age has been discovered at the surface level, which is unique.”He continued: “Copper axes are commonly found in parts of northern India where human habitation began much early.”Historian Lakshmana Telagavi elucidates further on the discovery, “The usage of copper started much before Megalithic Age, this also represents the prowess of our ancestors in making equipment.”Archaeologists had earlier excavated copper swords at Hallur village of Haveri district; Kallur village of Raichur district; Teradal of Bagalkot; and Tekkala Kote of Bellary district.
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