Vikramkhol

Vikramkhol is an archaeological cave containing red ochre inscriptions carved into an uneven rock surface that measures roughly 35 feet by 7 feet. The markings comprise a total of 42 different script characters.

These ancient inscriptions were discovered in the 1930s and studied by Dr. K P Jayaswal, who dated them to around 1500 BCE. The findings suggest a connection between early writing systems that existed in different parts of the ancient world.

The inscriptions show different writing systems that hint at exchange between early cultures in the region. You can see how varied scripts were used side by side.

The site is located within the Belpahar Range Reserved Forest, roughly 12 kilometers from Belpahar town in Odisha state. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and forest conditions, making appropriate footwear and local guidance recommended.

Scholars continue to debate whether the markings represent an early form of pictography or a syllabic writing system. This ongoing discussion makes the site particularly important for understanding how different cultures began to communicate through writing.