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Definition, Types, and Megaliths in India

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Megalith can be defined as a large stone that is used to build a prehistoric structure. Generally, it refers to a single rock but the term can even be used for the collection of rocks. They are located in huge numbers around the world. The last recorded number in Europe alone is 35,000. 

Megaliths

Megaliths

Megaliths

Megaliths refer to a single piece of stone, it can also be used to denote one or more hewn in a definite format for use for specific purposes. The megalithic structures have been built by people from different parts of the world, living in different ages and periods.

Megaliths are heavily concentrated from Sweden to the Mediterranean Sea. This term was coined by the  British antiquarian Algernon Herbert in 1849 to describe the structure of Stonehenge. The word is formed by the combination of the Greek words mega and lithos which mean great and stone respectively. 

Types of Megaliths

Megaliths are large rock structures built in the past. The types of Megaliths are:

Menhir

It is mostly used for the structures present in western Europe which were built in Prehistoric times. They mostly consist of a single stone. It is also called the Standing Stone structure. 

Example: Dry tree menhir at Goonhilly Downs, Cornwall

Capstone

This was used to describe the structures that were built horizontally. It mostly consisted of a single stone placed horizontally. It is believed that they were laid over the burial chambers. This does not contain any supporting stones. 

Dolmen

It is a huge rock that was placed horizontally with smaller rocks below it to support the structure. It can also be called a stone table. Example: Dolmen in Sumatra Indonesia

Monolith

It is a general term used for any single stone structure that was built in prehistoric times.

Cist

It is a small stone structure shaped like a box. It was mainly used for holding dead bodies. It is a coffin-like structure made up of several small stones. They are mostly present underground. It has many similarities to a Dolman.

Stone Circle

As the name suggests it consists of several stones placed in a huge circle.

Alignments

It consists of multiple stones placed at a particular distance from each other to form a pattern. It is mostly present in rows or spiral shapes. Many such arrangements are found in France. 

Megaliths in India

Much like the rest of the world, huge megaliths can be found in India also. Until recent years the oldest dated Megalith is from 3000 BC but the latest findings indicate the presence of Monoliths dating back to 5000 BC being present in the southern parts of the country. The presence of megalith is not only restricted to the southern part of one particular region it is present all over the country. Some of the oldest megaliths are found in central India and the upper Indus Valley.  

Most of the megaliths present in India today are thought to be associated with burial or post-burial rituals. It may also be a memorial for those people whose remains were not present. All the Megaliths present in India are of different shapes and sizes, they do not consist of a single type of Megalith or rocks. some of the famous Megaliths present in India are Nilaskal in Karnataka, Hire Benkal in Kerala, Chamber Tomb in Karnataka, Dolmens in Karnataka, Hanamsagar in Karnataka, and Kudakkallu Parambu in Kerala. 

Sites Site Name Area
1. Nilaskal Hosanagar, Karnataka
2. Hire Benkal  Thrissur, Kerala
3. Junapani  Nagpur, Maharashtra
4. Chamber Tomb: Hire Benakal Koppala, Karnataka
5. Hanamsagar Koppala, Karnataka
6. Koppala Karnataka Thrissur, Kerala
7. Dolmens: Hire Benakal Koppala, Karnataka

Significance  of Megaliths

It may be argued that Megaliths are just rock formations and hold no true value but that is not true. Megaliths are an important part of our history and heritage. They help us understand various methods, practices, and rituals followed by people in the past years. They now only hold cultural importance but also act as an element of the nature and culture of this planet. It helps us have a deeper understanding of the working of those times in which they were built. 

Conclusion

To conclude, Megaliths are rock formations built-in way past. They may be a single rock structure or multiple rock structures. It helps us understand the living conditions and practices of the people during that time. It holds great cultural value and needs to be protected from being tampered with. 

FAQs on Megaliths

Q 1. What is Megalith?

Answer:

Megalith can be defined as a large stone that is used to build a prehistoric structure. Generally, it refers to a single rock but the term cam even is used for the collection of rocks.

Q 2. Megaliths are found in which Parts of India?

Answer:

Megaliths are mostly found in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Q 3. What is a Megalithic Burial?

Answer:

Megalithic burial refers to the burial chamber which is constructed of large stones, either underground or by a mound, and consists of long corridors or chambers.


Last Updated : 21 Jan, 2024
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