We will learn about the Sangam Age, the discovery of Megalithic Culture, and other topics related to early South Indian history.
How Megalithic Culture was Discovered
- Babington’s 1820 research on Megaliths, a phenomenon in which large stones are erected to mark burial sites, marked the beginning of the study of this cultural phenomenon. In the 1870s, Meadows Tylor carried out a great deal of research, and Fergusson’s work after 1870 is regarded as seminal in this field.
- The first excavation at the historic Adichanallur site in Tamil Nadu was carried out by Dr. Jagor.
- In 1948, Sir Mortimer Wheeler excavated the sites of Brahmagiri and Chandravalli in Karnataka.
- Subsequent research conducted by Nilakantha Shastri, Sundara (1975), and K. Rajan (2003) enhanced comprehension of this cultural facet.
- The Megalithic culture is widespread and not limited to any one area. It is common throughout the far south, Vindhya region, Deccan region, Aravali region, and northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent.
- Megaliths are predominantly reported from states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
Some very important sites of megalithic culture
Adichanallur : Adichanallur is an archaeological site in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu that is well-known for its iron tools, BRW pottery, Tamil Brahmi script, and fortification wall. The location has provided important new information about material culture, including proof of rice farming.
Sanur : This town, which is close to Chengelpet in Tamil Nadu, is well-known for the iron artifacts, BRW ceramics, and human remains found in tombs. The location offers artifacts and interments as proof of archeological activity.
Brahmagiri : Situated in the Karnataka district of Chitradurga, Brahmagiri is an important archaeological site that displays Indian Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The location showcases iron tools used in agriculture and BRW pottery, demonstrating the persistence of culture across different historical eras.
Maski : Situated in the Raichur district of Karnataka, Maski is known for its BRW pottery, iron tools used in agriculture, and the finding of a small Asoka rock edict. Maski is also connected to the megalithic culture that is common in South India.
Hallur : Situated in Karnataka’s Haveri district, Hallur is distinguished by the existence of ash mounds that offer archeological proof of prehistoric activity at the location.
Porkalam : This important megalithic site, which is situated in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, has yielded pottery and iron tools that provide insight into the locals’ cultural customs.
Nagarjuna Konda : Located in Guntur district, Nagarjuna Konda has produced human skeletal remains that are ornamented, which has helped us learn more about the area’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Juna Pani : Juna Pani is an archaeological site in Maharashtra that is located close to Nagpur. It is notable for its BRW pottery, iron objects, and different kinds of megalithic structures, which highlight the region’s rich archeological heritage.
Was it a single homogenous and contemporaneous culture?
Evidence of material differences has been discovered. In the south, one can also find comparable characteristics. There are variations in time. They do not happen at the same time.
Different types of megaliths
There are two types
1. Megalith Connected with burials
2. Megalith Not connected with burials
Megalith Connected with burials
- Chambered tombs, comprising cists and dolmens.
- Unchambered tombs, which feature pit burials and urn burials.
Megalith Not connected with burials
Megaliths are large stones or monuments that were used for a variety of purposes by ancient civilizations, though they are not only connected to burials. These structures, which are widespread, come in a variety of forms and have purposes other than burial customs.
Various types of megaliths include
Dolmens : Dolmens are one of the most common types of megaliths; they are made up of one large horizontal stone supported by two or more upright stones. Dolmens are widely used as graveyards and can be found all over the world, in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Menhirs : Menhirs are tall, vertical stones that are frequently found grouped together or standing alone. They marked grave sites, acted as boundary markers, or served as religious or ceremonial monuments, among other uses. One well-known example of a menhir grouping is Stonehenge in England.
Cairns : Cairns are stone mounds used as memorials or to mark the locations of graves.
Cairns are a common sight in many landscapes; small piles to massive mounds, they were used by prehistoric peoples such as the Native Americans and the Celts.
Henges : Oval or circular earthworks with one or more megaliths inside, henges served a variety of purposes, such as serving as locations for ritual or religious ceremonies. One famous example of a henge is Stonehenge, which has a circular arrangement of large stones.
Passage Tombs : Megalithic constructions used for interment that included one or more burial chambers connected by a passage. They are common in places like Europe and Asia; one famous example of a passage tomb is Newgrange in Ireland.
Origin of megalithic culture
There are two views
- Iron Age interments, like those of horses that have reportedly been found in Junapanis, point to outside influences.
- Some claim that these developments have an indigenous origin, tracing their roots to Neolithic and Chalcolithic burial customs.
- Ultimately, it’s difficult to say for sure where these customs came from—whether they are the result of outside influences or a development of regional traditions.
Materials remain
- Objects made of iron have been found near megalithic sites from Tamil Nadu to Junagagarh in Maharashtra.
- Archaeological evidence also includes different kinds of pots and bowls, black and red ware pottery, and beads fashioned from semi-precious stones.
- Especially noteworthy is the large anthropomorphic figure that has been discovered in these areas.
Subsistence Economy
- When they were first classified as pastoral and nomadic communities, we believed that their means of subsistence included farming, fishing, and hunting.
- Nonetheless, more recent research has shown the presence of ragi and grains, including charred grains and rice husk. These communities also practiced fishing and animal husbandry.
- Notably, tank irrigation was used, and their culture was clearly influenced by a variety of craft traditions.
Settlements
We have found Very thin debris of occupation at megalithic sites
At first, it’s possible that they only temporarily resided in a certain location.
Their shift to a more settled lifestyle, characterized by the building of permanent houses, was aided by the gradual adoption of iron technology. Archaeological discoveries demonstrate the existence of holes and hut-like structures from this era.
Beliefs
We are in possession of knowledge about burial customs and tomb goods, which reveal attitudes toward reincarnation.
Furthermore, it is evident how burial sites and habitation sites differ from one another.
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