ABOUT PROJECT SKaAT
Project SKaAT (Showcasing Karnataka’s Ancient Treasures) is a group formed to execute the initiative of the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka, dedicated to documenting and presenting the state’s prehistoric legacy. For the first time, Karnataka’s ancient monuments and remains — from rock art and ash mounds to stone tools, dolmens, and cultural landscapes — are being mapped and visually chronicled across all four regions of the state.
Driven by a creative team of photographers, researchers, and designers, and guided by eminent historians and consultants, SKaAT blends scholarly knowledge with visual storytelling to bring this hidden heritage alive. With the generous support of the Government of Karnataka, the project has culminated in a first-of-its-kind coffee table book and photographic archive, turning thousands of years of history into an engaging visual journey.
ARTICLES
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We are delighted to announce that Project SKAAT will be part of Voices of the Valley – Indie Film Festival. Our short documentary, Hirebenakal: An Adventure That Found Us, chronicles our journey through one of...
Hidden in the landscape of Karnataka, the megalithic monument at Nalliganahalli offers a remarkable glimpse into a civilization that flourished nearly 2,000–3,000 years ago. Though modest in appearance, this ancient structure is an important reminder...
Photographing an object that has survived for thousands of years is, above all, a responsibility. Technical skill matters, but it comes second to respecting the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of the artefact in front...
At Gavali, we explored a remarkable prehistoric landscape marked by rock engravings believed to date back to the Neolithic and Megalithic periods. Among the most striking motifs are humped bull figures and other engraved symbols...
It all began with a message from one of our followers. After Yashu BV suggested that we visit a site near Harohalli, close to the border between the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil...
At first glance, most people see only a stone tool- an object from the distant past, simple and unremarkable. But when viewed through the lens of archaeological documentation, the approach changes entirely. As photographers working...
GALLERY
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Supporting Partners
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Project SKaAT is the brainchild of Dinesh Maneer, envisioned when the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka, entrusted him with the task of documenting the state’s prehistoric sites. What began as an assignment soon evolved into a collaborative initiative, bringing together photographers, researchers, designers, and consultants to create a first-of-its-kind visual journey into Karnataka’s ancient past. Guided by the Department’s support and expertise, Project SKaAT aims not only to record these sites but also to present them in a way that builds awareness, inspires pride, and encourages preservation of this invaluable heritage.
Meet the core team
A passionate team of curators, photographers, researchers, and designers bringing Karnataka’s ancient treasures to light.
Dinesh Maneer, an Explorer-photographer, is leading Project SKaAT with a vision to bring Karnataka’s prehistoric heritage into focus through art and imagery. Entrusted by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, Government of Karnataka, he is travelling across the state with his team, trekking through hills, forests, and remote villages to document ancient rock art, megaliths, and cultural landscapes. His approach combines research, photography, and storytelling to present prehistory in a way that is both scholarly and visually engaging, making it accessible to a wider audience while inspiring awareness and preservation.
Dinesh Maneer, a versatile individual hailing from Bengaluru, India, excels both as a photographer and as a businessman. His passion lies in capturing the essence of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through his lens. His diverse portfolio predominantly features captivating landscapes, compelling portraits, and narratives deeply entrenched in the soul of his homeland.
His photography has earned accolades through numerous group exhibitions and prestigious features in international publications like National Geographic, CNN, Open Magazine, National Geographic India traveler as well as various online magazines and leading national and local newspapers. Moreover, Dinesh actively contributes to Kannada-language publications with his writings.





News
Bengaluru, 31st August,2025 Captivating photo exhibition on the 3,000-year-old prehistoric landscape of Hirebenakal is now on display at the Venkatappa Art Gallery. The exhibition presents...
Bengaluru, August 20, 2025 — Karnataka’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a landmark photo exhibition that brings to light the prehistoric landscapes of Hirebenakal, a...
Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism announced that an photography exhibition will take place on Hirebenakal in Bengaluru on August...
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