In 2024, during a walk along the coast of Kumta, Dinesh Maneer noticed something unusual.

Etched into the rock surface were markings that did not appear natural.

At first, it was simply an observation — something worth returning to and understanding more carefully. We documented the site, spoke with historians, and allowed the process of study and verification to unfold over time.

What we were looking at soon proved to be far more significant.

Spread across the rock surface are more than 1,000 cup marks, closely resembling similar discoveries found along Karnataka’s coastline in places such as Buddanajeddu, Avalakki Paare, and Karuru. Based on these parallels, the markings are now believed to date back to the Mesolithic period, offering a remarkable glimpse into a prehistoric past preserved along the coast.

It is one of those rare moments where an ordinary walk leads to an extraordinary discovery.