Mangaluru: Round carved stone discovered at Kettikal during road widening

A rounded stone cut from a rock has been discovered, which locals say brought the area the moniker ‘Kettikal for the village near Vamanjoor in Mangaluru.

For several years, this stone lay among the foliage. During the recent highway expansion, the stone was uncovered and prompted locals to stop highway authorities from removing it immediately. It’s believed to hold historical importance for Kettikal, an area with a history spanning centuries.

Following local opposition, Highway officials assured that they plan to relocate the stone using cranes and ropes without causing harm.

Locals believe the place got its name ‘Kettikal’ due to this carved stone as Kettikal literally translates to “Carved stone in the local language Tulu.  Umesh Kotian, Kalamrita artists’ association, said “Our elders used to tell us that people used to sit here and take rest before traveling by bullock carts.”

A landslide had also occurred in Kettikal about a decade ago. This stone is located on the side of the highway towards the valley side. At the outset, it looks like a circular pedestal carved from red laterite stone. No inscriptions were found on the stone.

Umesh Kotyan opined that the name Kettikal may have come from this, so it is everyone’s responsibility to save it. The movie “Annaji” was also shot here, he added.

Historian Prof Murugeshi Turuvekere said research is needed to establish the stone’s origins. This stone appears to be a possible relic from the 6th century BC, but further research is needed to confirm its historical significance, he added.