Ukshi Geoglyph Site One

Geoglyphs at Ukshi
Nestled along the scenic Ganpatipule-Nivli highway, the village Ukshi is home to one of Konkan’s most extraordinary treasures: the Geoglyphs of Konkan. The group 7 sites at Ukshi are part of the remarkable collection of over 2,000 geoglyphs from the districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, offers a rare glimpse into Konkan’s ancient artistic heritage. The Geoglyphs of Konkan, a vibrant tapestry engraved on the boundless canvas of Konkan’s laterite plateaus, represent humanity’s earliest creative expressions—fascinating rock art
known as Katalshilpa in Marathi. Each stroke of these geoglyphs offers a glimpse into the minds of those who sought to leave their mark on eternity. A silent yet powerful testament, these geoglyphs remind us of the enduring bond between nature, creativity, and culture. The magnificent engravings, featuring diverse subjects such as human figures, animals, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs, are believed to date back to the Mesolithic era in Konkan.

Ukshi: Location- 1
The story of this gigantic elephant geoglyph, is one of pride and inspiration for everyone. In 2016, Mr. Sudhir Risbud of Nisargayatri Sanstha, Ratnagiri, alongside Mr. Milind Khanvilkar, Mr. Harishchandra Bandbe, and the dedicated locals of Ukshi, uncovered one of Konkan’s earliest artistic marvels—the ancient geoglyphs. Recognizing the significance of this prehistoric treasure, Nisargayatri Sanstha took on the responsibility of safeguarding and preserving this invaluable heritage. Among their most remarkable achievements was the conservation of the colossal elephant geoglyph. This monumental task was undertaken with
complete public participation with the backing of land owner Mr. Anup Surve, showcasing a shared commitment to preserving humanity’s earliest cultural legacy. The efforts did not stop at conservation; they extended to the development of essential infrastructure with the collaboration of local government body, such as road construction at the site, for better reach
to the visitors. The unwavering dedication of the locals and Nisargayatri Sanstha earned widespread acclaim and brought global recognition to this site. In 2022, the elephant geoglyph, along with the exemplary conservation efforts driven by public involvement and supported by Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Govt. of Maharashtra, was proudly nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List—a testament to the power of collective action in preserving the past for future generations.
At this magnificent site, the most captivating masterpiece is a colossal geoglyph of a majestic elephant, spanning impressively around 6 by 4 meters (18 ft x 20 ft). This life-sized depiction showcases the gigantic form of an elephant, with its large, rounded body, gracefully engraved trunk, elongated and bold straight tusks and distinct ears spread wide in a gesture of gentle power. The fine detailing, from the contouring of the limbs to the carefully etched outlines, reflects the skill and imagination of its creators. This remarkable elephant geoglyph is believed by some palaeontologists to represent a Palaeoloxodon (Straight-Tusk Elephant).  The Palaeoloxodon, an ancient species of elephant, is thought to have gone extinct at least 21,000 years ago from Asia. What makes this carving even more extraordinary is that it might be the only known depiction of its kind among the other elephant geoglyphs found in the Konkan region, setting it apart as a unique and significant piece of prehistoric art.
Therefore, this UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site holds immense significance as a representation of humanity’s earliest artistic expressions.