Megalithic Burial Excavations Begin in Hanur: Unearthing the Iron Age Heritage
Megalithic Burial Excavations Begin in Hanur: Unearthing the Iron Age Heritage
Sub: History
Sec: Ancient History
Why in News
Excavations have commenced at a significant megalithic burial site in Doddalathur village, located in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. This excavation is a joint initiative led by the University of Mysore and the Mythic Society, Bengaluru, aiming to uncover the rich Iron Age heritage of South India. The project also serves as a training ground for archaeology students.
About Excavation Site
The excavation is taking place in Doddalathur village, situated in a valley formed by the Male Mahadeshwara Hill ranges in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
The site is believed to date back to the Megalithic Period, also known as the Iron Age, which is roughly placed between 1200 BCE and 300 CE in South India.
The site was first discovered in 1961 by C. Krishnamurti of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The village once had over 1,000 megalithic burials, but due to agricultural expansion, settlement, and land development activities, many burials have been disturbed or destroyed. However, a significant number of burials still remain intact, offering potential for further excavation.
Past Excavations in the Region: In 2021 and 2022, the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology excavated the Budipadaga site, located about 20 km southwest of Doddalathur.
Budipadaga is a habitation-cum-megalithic burial site, offering similar archaeological value.
Megalithic culture:
The term “Megalith” is derived from the Greek words “mega” (large) and “lithos” (stone), meaning large stone structures, often associated with burials.
While megalith is often used to describe a single piece of stone, it also can be used to denote one or more rocks hewn in a definite shape for special purposes.
Megalithic culture refers to a period characterized by the use of large stones for monuments and burial practices.
Megaliths in India are dated before 3000 BC, with recent findings dated back to 5000 BC in southern India.
Coincides with the Iron Age in the Indian subcontinent.
Geographical Spread:Found extensively in peninsular India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.They are also found in the upper Indus valley and central India.
Types of Megaliths:
Menhirs: Single standing stones, often for commemorative or religious purposes.
Dolmens: A table-like structure formed by placing a large flat stone on top of upright stones, used as burial sites.
Cairns: Stone heaps or piles used to mark graves.
Stone Circles: Circular arrangements of stones around burial sites.
Capstone style: Single megaliths placed horizontally, often over burial chambers, without the use of support stones.
Cist: A small stone-built coffin-like box or ossuary used to hold the bodies of the dead.
Iron Age and Settlement Patterns:The period marked the introduction and widespread use of iron tools and weapons, leading to advancements in agriculture, warfare, and settlement development.
Megalithic Burials: Characteristic of the Iron Age, these burials used large boulders (megaliths) in circular patterns, indicating complex burial practices and social structures.
Iron Age settlements were often located in fertile valleys and near hilly regions (e.g., Male Mahadeshwara Hills), with proximity to resources being a key factor.
The Iron Age revolutionized agriculture and trade, enabling more permanent and widespread settlements across South India.