Kodagu's megalithic link unearthed

Mangaluru: A megalithic burial site comprising a Menhir, and a complex of dolmens with unique pottery, possibly dating back to around 3,000 years, has been discovered near the Cauvery river at Siddalingapura- Arasinakuppe in Kodagu.

While a dolmen is a square stone structure with primary or secondary bone remains and pottery covered by a mega capstone, a Menhir is a large upright  undressed stone standing on or near the burial site.

The megalithic site was discovered by chance during the renovation of the Sri Manjunatha Temple at Siddalingapura-Arasinakuppe, while land was being levelled behind it.  A more detailed inspection was carried out by a team from the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, MSRS College,  headed by department head, T Murugeshi.

"We found a complex of dolmens buried in the soil with each  having its own stone circle. There could be hundreds of dolmens. One has been damaged and is being used as a dumpyard," Prof Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle. The Menhir, which is  3.15 meters tall  and one meter wide, is reportedly the tallest found in the region.

 "This is clearly a megalithic site. But more excavation is needed to clearly understand the things found here. The pyriform black jar found here is a rare one. Such jars were used to bury the remains of the head of a community, a priest or some important person at the time," the professor explained.
The department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the college intends to excavate the site.