The latest reports reveal that Andhra Pradesh possesses the largest anthropomorphic burial site in the Tirupati district. Anthropomorphic sites are those marked by a representation of human form above megalithic burials. Dive in to understand more about these fascinating prehistoric structures, their types, and the cultural significance they hold.
Understanding Megaliths
A megalith is a massive stone used in the construction of a prehistoric monument or structure, either independently or with other stones. Megaliths were typically used for creating either burial sites or commemorative (non-sepulchral) memorials. The former category includes sites with actual burial remains, such as dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, and capstones. These are respectively box-shaped stone burial chambers, stone circles with defined peripheries, and unique mushroom-shaped burial chambers primarily found in Kerala. The container holding the human remains was often made of terracotta.
Non-sepulchral megaliths, on the other hand, include memorial sites such as menhirs. Archaeologists in India trace the majority of the megaliths back to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC), though some sites precede the Iron Age and extend up to 2000 BC. These significant historical structures can be found all over the Indian subcontinent, but they predominantly inhabit Peninsular India, specifically in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Exploring Different Types of Megalithic Structures
Various types of megalithic structures have been identified, each serving different purposes and demonstrating diverse architectural designs. Here’s a look at some of them:
– Cromlechs: Commonly known as Stone Circles, these are sometimes referred to as “cromlechs” in English, a term borrowed from the Welsh language.
– Dolmen: A dolmen is a megalithic structure formed by placing a large capstone on two or more support stones. This arrangement creates a chamber below, often walled on three sides and traditionally used as a tomb or burial chamber.
– Cist: A cist is a small coffin-like box built of stone. It was used to hold the bodies of the deceased. Structurally similar to dolmens, these burials were completely underground and came in single- and multiple-chambered variants.
– Monolith: This refers to any single standing stone erected in prehistoric times. The term monolith is sometimes used synonymously with “megalith” and “menhir”. However, for later periods, “monolith” is more likely to be used to refer to single stones.
– Capstone style: This structure comprises single megaliths placed horizontally, often over burial chambers, without the use of support stones.
As we delve into these ancient structures, we find extraordinary insights into our ancestors’ lives, their beliefs, and their customs surrounding death and commemoration. Megaliths offer a fascinating glimpse into human antiquity, underscoring the richness and diversity of prehistoric cultures across India.
