Three-legged dolmen remains undiscovered in Warangal

Raghunathpalli (Warangal): The mudu kalla mancham gutta on the outskirts of Gabbetta village is well known to the locals since ages but the ancient structure built on the hillock has failed to attract the attention of the officials.

The structure has a horizontal slab weighing several tonnes placed on stones which are arranged vertically without cement or bonding agent. These stones support the horizontal slab only on north, south and south-west. Historians say the structure was built during 1000 BC. It is intriguing how the structure is able to stand for centuries.

Even if a person stands on it, it remains solid without the slightest movement.
Though it is  at  an accessible height and can be seen from the ground, no one cared to bring it to light. Several legends were built around this structure by the local villagers.

Local lore says that Lord Narsimhaswamy used to rest here for some time before moving to the Yadagiri gutta. Also people believe this structure used to be golden during that time. Locals worship Lord Narasimha during Sravana masam and come for vana bhojanam with families.

However archaeologist R. Ratnakar Reddy, who explored the area, suggests that the structure is indeed a dolmen built by early man during the megalithic era. “We have found tools made of rock and also some evidence of pottery.

The missing fourth leg under the slab may be because the constructor wanted early morning sun rays to enter inside the structure without any obstruction. This area is very silent and provides a peaceful environment and can be a beautiful tourist location. The government and archaeology department must ensure this place is developed,” he said.

The legs of the structure are four feet high and can easily accommodate 20 people sitting under it. Also there are two rows of cupules or cup marks carved using a hammer stone under the dolmen. The significance of it may be found if explored by experts from the archaeology department.