The South Deccan Prehistory Project began with archaeobotanical research in 1997-1998, followed by intensive local survey undertaken in 2002 (Bellary District Archaeological Projection). Since then much research has focused on the Sanganakallu-Kupgal cluster of hills and sites. It also involved exploration and analysis of other sites in Bellary District, Karnataka and beyond.  The Sanganakallu-Kupgal cluster of archaeological sites has been known since at least the 19^th century, and early reports refer to it as 'Peacock Hill'.  We refer to the cluster of sites as the 'Sanganakallu-Kupgal archaeological heritage area', due to the remarkable concentration of archaeological sites found in the area of these two villages (Sanganakallu and Kupgal).  The area appears to have been particularly important during the Neolithic period, when settlement was focused on the granitic hills themselves (see Intensive systematic survey).  The archaeological importance of the Sanganakallu-Kupgal heritage area is significant, and these sites deserve government protection (see Protection of sites and monuments).

View Bellary District Archaeological Sites in a larger map  

For pictures of the sites in this group, and more details of locations, visit these pages:

Sannarachamma-gudda (also called Sanagakallu in older literature)

Choudammagudda

Hiregudda

Kupgal Ashmounds