Context:
Archaeologists have discovered 3 new archaeological sites in Telangana.
New Archaeological Sites:
- Ooragutta –
- An Iron Age megalithic site.
- Usually in this region, a type of megalithic monument known as ‘Dolmenoid Cists’ (Chamber tombs which are semi-subterrenean) are found.
- Contrary to this, the site discovered at Ooragutta has side slabs that are arranged with slabs following the shape of the cap-stone.
- Hence, each ‘dolmenoid cist’ has a unique shape as dictated by the cap-stone.
- 2 new rock art sites at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal –
- Devarlabanda Mula – Has only depictions of animals and no humans or weapons.
- Since no weapons or domestic animals are shown, it is believed that the paintings may go back to the Mesolithic age.
Megaliths in India:
- Megalith – A large stone that has been used to construct a prehistoric structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones.
- They were constructed either as burial sites or commemorative memorials.
- Mainly belongs to – Iron Age
- Megalith sites – Majority are found in Peninsular India
- Concentrated in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana
- 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
Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Kings employing women bodyguards
(b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
(c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
(d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
Answer: (d)
