Ancient Megalithic Structures

GS I-History

Context

The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025. If approved, this will be the second site from the state to receive this recognition.

Understanding Megaliths

Megaliths are large stone structures constructed in ancient times, primarily for burials or commemorative purposes. In India, these structures are mostly traced back to the Iron Age (1500 BC – 500 BC).

Types of Megaliths

1. Burial Megaliths: These include dolmenoid cists (box-like tombs), cairn circles (graves marked by stone rings), and capstones (mushroom-shaped burial chambers commonly seen in Kerala).
2. Non-Burial Megaliths: This category comprises menhirs, stone circles, and other structures built for ceremonial or memorial functions.

What Are Menhirs?

The word “menhir” derives from the Brittonic terms “maen” (meaning stone) and “hir” (meaning long).

• These are large, vertically placed stone slabs, often narrowing towards the top.
• They were deliberately positioned and shaped by humans for ritualistic, religious, or astronomical purposes.
• The Grand Menhir Brisé in France, originally towering at 20.6 meters, is considered the tallest known menhir.
• While found in multiple regions, menhirs are most prevalent in Western Europe, with significant sites such as Carnac in France and Stonehenge in the UK.

Menhirs in India

• Menhirs are commonly seen in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• In different parts of South India, they are known by various names: Nilskal, Nintikal, Anekallu, Rakkasakal, and Garbinikal.

Mudumal Menhir Site

• The menhirs at Mudumal, Telangana, are estimated to be between 3,500 to 4,000 years old, making them the most ancient in India.
• They are referenced in early Tamil literature as “Nadukal” (memorial stones).
• Archaeologists suggest their alignment was intentional, likely to track the sun’s movement during summer and winter solstices, leading to its designation as a “megalithic astronomical observatory” by UNESCO.
• Some menhirs bear engravings of spirals, lines, or weapon depictions such as axes.
• A particular menhir in the region is linked to Goddess Yellamma and continues to be a site of local worship.
• Scholars propose that these structures may have served various functions, including fertility rites, tracking seasonal changes, or acting as territorial markers.