Megalithic

Megaliths Latest News

Ancient relics estimated to be 2,000 years old, belonging to the Megalithic Period, were recently unearthed at Manimoola village in Bandadukka, Kerala.

What Are Megaliths?

• A Megalith is a large stone used in the construction of prehistoric monuments, either alone or with other stones.
• They were constructed for:
  • Burial purposes (sepulchral)
  • Commemorative rituals (non-sepulchral)
• Most Indian Megaliths date to the Iron Age: 1500 BCE to 500 BCE
• Some megalithic sites even precede the Iron Age, extending back to 2000 BCE

Types of Megalithic Monuments

• Burial Types:
  • Dolmenoid cists – box-shaped stone burial chambers
  • Cairn circles – circular arrangements of stones marking burial spots
  • Capstones – mushroom-shaped stones mostly found in Kerala
  • Urns or Sarcophagi – made of terracotta, often used for cremated remains
• Non-burial Types:
  • Menhirs – upright memorial stones, typically not used for burials

Major Megalithic Sites in India

Artefacts Recovered from the Site

• These artefacts were found during excavation under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which involved digging trenches for water pipelines.
• Key items recovered include: A black ware pot, five four-legged jars, Pots of different sizes, Clay utensils that resembled lids of large vessels, an iron stove stand with three support stones and Iron tools resembling penknives
• Megalithic Structures Identified Nearby
• A local stone monument called Pathaya Kallu is believed to be a Megalithic-era burial site.
• Similar stone burial chambers in the region are known by folk names such as: Pandava Guha, Peerangi Guha, Muniyara, Swamikundu and Kalpatthayam.

Megaliths FAQs

Q1. What are megaliths?

Ans. Megaliths are large stone structures or monuments constructed during prehistoric times, often used as burial sites or for ceremonial purposes.

Q2. Where are megalithic sites commonly found in India?

Ans. Megalithic sites are prevalent in South India, particularly in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, but they are also found in other regions across the country.

Q3. What time period do the Indian megaliths belong to?

Ans. Indian megaliths mainly belong to the Iron Age (1500 BC–500 BC), with some sites dating back to the Chalcolithic period.

Q4. What types of megalithic structures are found in India?

Ans. Common types include dolmens (stone tables), cairn circles (stone circles), menhirs (single standing stones), and stone cists (stone-lined burial chambers).

Source: TH