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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Project SKAAT at Voices of the Valley: Hirebenakal: An Adventure That Found Us

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...

Discovering the Ancient Megalithic Monument of Nalliganahalli

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 Archaeological Artefacts: Process and Practice

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...

Echoes of Prehistory: Rock Art and Menhirs at Gavali

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...

Uncovering a Forgotten Megalithic Site Near the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu Border

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...

It’s Never “Just” a Stone Tool : The Art of Photographing Ancient Tools

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 ManeerCurator, Photographer

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.

Sudheer HegdePhotographer

Photographer and adventure seeker from Hubli, Sudheer provides the bird’s-eye view of the sites we document, adding unique perspectives to Project SKaAT’s visual archive.

Manish SPhotographer

Photographer drawn to overlooked stories. Manish preserves the past through photos and powers Project SKaAT’s storytelling with social media expertise.

Shilpa HegdeResearch Associate

Inspired by generations of travelers and history lovers, Shilpa connects the dots between culture and roots. As a research associate, she brings depth and direction to Project SKaAT’s explorations.

Niveditha K. M.Research Associate

Researcher and archaeology student, Niveditha focuses on uncovering Karnataka’s past through academic insight, fueling Project SKaAT’s research.

Shweta AadukalaDesigner

Graphic designer with a passion for heritage, Shwetha brings history to life visually, shaping Project SKaAT’s identity with meaningful, culturally rich designs.

News

Hirebenakal photo exhibition opens at Venkatappa Art Gallery

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...

CM Siddaramaiah inaugurates landmark photo exhibition at Vidhansoudha

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...

Project SKaAT to showcase Hirebenakal’s photographs on August 15

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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87623 25924
projectskaat@gmail.com
Karnataka, India

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