MEGALITHIC CHAMBER FOUND IN KERALA

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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context

A megalithic laterite rock-cut chamber, believed to be approximately 2,000 years old, was recently unearthed on March 1, 2026, in Panayal, Kasaragod.

Key Features of the Panayal Chamber

Structure: A circular or hemispherical underground burial chamber carved directly into laterite bedrock.

Entrance: Accessed via a vertical rectangular shaft approximately three feet deep.

"Soul Hole": A unique small circular aperture, about 5 cm in diameter, is located at the center of the top portion, possibly intended for ritual offerings.

Sealing: The entrance was originally sealed with a stone slab, which was partially damaged during the recent excavation.

Current State: The interior is presently filled with soil; systematic excavation is expected to reveal burial artefacts such as pottery, iron tools, or urns. 

Regional Significance: Kasaragod is a major prehistoric cultural landscape; similar chambers have been reported in areas like Karinthalam, Pilicode, Kuttikol, and Paivalike.

What was Megalithic Period?

The Megalithic Period refers to a prehistoric to proto-historic era defined by the construction of monumental structures using large, undressed, or roughly dressed stones. 

Derived from the Greek words megas (big) and lithos (stone), it is commonly associated with elaborate burial practices, though it also includes non-sepulchral (non-burial) memorial stones. 

In India, the Megalithic period is largely synonymous with the Iron Age in South India, generally dated between 1000 BCE and 100 CE. 

Key Features of the Megalithic Period

Funerary Practices: Megaliths are burial sites located away from residential areas. The deceased were buried with grave goods like pottery, iron weapons, and ornaments, indicating a strong belief in an afterlife.

Iron Age Association: The period is defined by the widespread use of iron tools, weapons, and agricultural implements.

Pottery: The most common pottery found is Black and Red Ware (BRW), usually wheel-turned and high-quality.

Social Structure: The construction of massive stone structures suggests a well-organized society with community effort, specialized labor (smiths, artisans), and potential social hierarchies.

Economy: The people were agro-pastoralists who practiced farming (rice, millet, ragi), domesticated animals (cattle, horses, sheep), and engaged in hunting and fishing. 

Major Types of Megalithic Structures

Excavations have revealed several types of burials and monuments: 

1. Dolmen: A large, flat, horizontal capstone resting on two or more upright stones (like a stone table).
2. Cist: An underground box-shaped burial chamber composed of stone slabs.
3. Cairn Circle: A heap of stone rubble (cairn) surrounded by a circle of large stones.
4. Menhir: A large, single standing stone planted vertically in the ground as a memorial.
5. Rock-Cut Cave: Found mostly in Kerala, these are burial chambers carved directly into laterite rock.
6. Topikal/Hoodstone: "Hat stone" or umbrella-shaped stones common in Kerala. 

Regional Distribution and Sites

While megaliths exist globally, in India they are concentrated in the Deccan and South India. 

• Karnataka: Brahmagiri, Maski, Hire Benakal (largest necropolis in South India).
• Tamil Nadu: Adichanallur, Sanur, Paiyampalli.
• Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Nagarjunakonda, Amaravati.
• Maharashtra: Junapani, Naikund (known for horse burials).
• Northeast India: Known for living traditions among tribes like the Khasis and Nagas. 

Living Tradition: In some parts of India, such as among the Gonds, Gadabas, and Nagas, the tradition of building megaliths continues, offering insight into ancient rituals.

Source: THEHINDU