The State Archaeology Department based in Kozhikode, Kerala, recently made significant discoveries at a rock-cut cave in Pothuvachery, Kannur district. This includes an iron sword from the Megalithic era, a chisel and several pieces of decorated pottery. Remarkably, the sword measures 105 cm in length, and it is estimated to be 2,500 years old. These findings have provided further insight into the technological advancements of the Megalithic people.
Megalithic Culture
Megaliths, large stone structures, were primarily constructed for two purposes – as burial sites or as commemorative sites. Burial sites often contain remnants such as dolmenoid cists, box-shaped stone burial chambers, cairn circles which are stone circles possessing defined peripheries, and distinctive mushroom-shaped capstones that are mostly found in Kerala. Commemorative megaliths, on the other hand, typically serve as memorial sites.
The majority of megaliths in India are traced back to the Iron Age, spanning from 1500 BC to 500 BC, although some extend up to 2000 BC. These megaliths are scattered across the Indian subcontinent, primarily located in Peninsular India. This includes states like Maharashtra, predominantly in Vidarbha, as well as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Rock-Cut Cave and its Religious Significance
Local inhabitants initially used natural caves, most of these rock-cut structures have close ties with various religions and religious activities. Archaeological evidence points out that the Mesolithic period, approximately 6000 BC, marked the first use and modifications of these early caves. Overhanging rocks adorned with petroglyphs and rock-cut designs created by carving, chiselling and abrading rock surfaces are early instances of such caves. An instance of this is the Bhimbetka rock shelters situated inside the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, indicative of the Stone Age human life settlements in India.
Buddhist and Jain rock-cut structures initially excavated by Buddhist monks serve as prime examples of this. These were primarily intended for prayer and residence purposes, such as Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries).
Key Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Megalithic Era Sword | 105 cm long iron sword, estimated to be 2,500 years old |
| Megaliths | Large stone structures used as burial or commemorative sites |
| Age of Megaliths in India | Majority dated back to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC), some extent up to 2000 BC |
| Location of Megaliths | Mainly concentrated in Peninsular India |
| Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary | Site of the Bhimbetka rock shelters, evidence of Stone Age human life in India |
| Buddhist and Jain Rock-Cut Structures | Prayer and residential spaces excavated by Buddhist monks |
The Bounty of Pothuvachery Rock-Cut Cave
The recent discoveries at Pothuvachery in Kannur district provide valuable insights into the ancient history and culture. Every artifact unearthed, especially the Megalithic era iron sword, significantly contributes to our growing understanding of human advancement during the period.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024