Archeologist finds over 2,800 years old terracotta figures in Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru: In a recent archaeological expedition at the Megalithic Dolmen site in Mudukonaje of Dakshina Kannada district, archeologist Prof T Murugeshi has made a remarkable discovery.

Eight distinct terracotta figures have been uncovered, marking the first such find in Dolmens from the Megalithic era, according to Prof T Murugeshi.

Situated near Moodbidri, Mudukonaje has long been a focal point of historical interest due to the discovery of a group of dolmens about four decades ago.

"This is the first instance of terracotta images being uncovered within Dolmens from the Megalithic era. These artifacts are estimated to predate 800 BC," Prof Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle.

He further elaborated on the historical significance.

"Dr Pundikay Ganapayya Bhat originally discovered the Megalithic site in Mudukonaje in the 1980s. It was a sprawling complex, boasting about 19 dolmens scattered across the stony hillside. Unfortunately, only two remain intact, with recent disturbances affecting even these. It was within these structures that we stumbled upon the terracotta figures. One was housed within a dolmen, while the rest were located in another," he explained.

"Dolmens represent a type of burial site associated with Megalithic culture. Although they are relatively common throughout the country, this is the first instance of such terracotta artifacts being discovered within them. Among the eight figures unearthed, two depict cow bovine forms. Additionally, we found representations of a mother goddess, two peacocks, an equine figure, a hand believed to belong to a mother goddess and an unidentified object," he said.

Prof Murugeshi provided detailed descriptions of the cow bovine figures, noting, "One figure, standing at 9 cm in height and 5cm in width, displays a distinctive bull's head atop a human body. Notably, it exudes a feminine structure, with two arms unfortunately damaged. The figure also features a prominent, elongated bun at the rear of the head, suggesting some form of headgear. The second cow bovine figure measures 7.5cm in height and 4cm in width, showcasing a bovine snout and an arch-like headgear. Intricately adorned appliques grace its neck and abdomen."

He also drew parallels between the cow bovine images and similar depictions found at a Megalithic site in Malampuzha, Kerala, as well as in ancient Egyptian iconography.

"In Kerala only one cow bovine image was found in an urn burial. But here we have found two such images in Dolmens. The discovery of these terracotta images promises to be a pivotal development in the study of the 'Daivaradhane' cult in Coastal Karnataka," he added.