Context:
24 pairs of prehistoric Megalithic footprints and a human figure have been discovered in Madikkai, Kerala which is believed to date back to the Megalithic.
Key Highlights of Findings:
- Age – Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, enriching Kerala’s historical narrative.
- The discovery is similar to that of prehistoric rock art in Avalakki Pera, Karnataka.
- Other prehistoric finds in Kerala include –
- Temple decorations at Erikulam Valiyapara, Kasaragod.
- Running tiger carvings in Neeleswaram.
- Human figures at Cheemeni Ariyittapara.
- Bull figures at Ettukudukka, Kannur.
- Edakkal caves carvings, Wayanad
Megalithic Culture:
- Refers to a prehistoric tradition characterized by large stone structures or monuments (megaliths).
- Mainly belongs to – Iron Age
- Megalith Sites – Majority are found in Peninsular India
- Also found across Punjab Plains, Indo-Gangetic basin, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Burzahom in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Significance –
- Marked a full-fledged Iron Age culture in South India, evidenced by iron weapons and agricultural implements from Junapani (Vidarbha) to Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu).
- Known for its Rock Paintings that depict scenes of hunting, cattle raids, and group dancing.
- Types of Megalithic Structure –
- Dolmen – Formed by placing a large capstone on 2 or more support stones, forming a chamber below, sometimes closed in on three sides.
- Cairns – Stone-piles that are conical in shape.
- Cist – Box-shaped stone burial chambers that were completely underground.
- Menhir – Monolithic stone structure that is upright.
- Capstones – Distinctive mushroom-shaped burial chambers found mainly in Kerala.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
(Historical place) (Well – known for)
1. Burzahom Rock – cut shrines
2. Chandra-ketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar Copper artifacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Burzahom is famous for its Megalithic burials, not rock-cut shrines.