Annigeri skull site a defecation spot!

The district administration had discovered more than six hundred human skulls in Annigeri town while desilting a drain in August, 2010. The archaeological department had concluded that the skulls were a result of 'Dougi' famine after thorough research. But, the venue has turned into a place for open defecation as the discovery site is totally buried again with no trace of skulls. There is no protection for the venue as temporary shed built by the administration has also vanished. Thorny plants and weeds have also grown at the site. To make matters worse, drainage and rainwater have also begun entering the site of the skulls.

"The local governing body or district administration should preserve the skulls until historians come to a final conclusion about the period of the skulls. It should also be converted into destination of tourist attraction to facilitate students visiting the site. Dr M M Kalburgi, who had conducted thorough research, had demanded more excavation work surrounding the skull site. But, the archaeological department concluded that it was a result of famine merely on the carbon dating of the skulls and this observation has raised many doubts", said Sangappa Harlapur, the principal and Kannada professor of Annigeri Pre-University College.

The villagers are demanding display of name board at all important places in Annigeri by declaring the venue to reach the site to facilitate the visitors. However, state archaeological department officials claimed that the human skulls are buried with proper care after completion of research work and proposal will be sent to the government for the development of the skull site.