dolmens dolmens3

dolmens2 Among the hundreds of pre-historic sites discovered in different parts of Tamil Nadu, Mallachandram in Krishnagiri district stands out as one of the finest examples of a large community that lived in the pre-historic period. Large number of dolmens and its varying types shows that a pretty large human habitation existed around the area at least for a few centuries.

Experts say present day Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts were the nucleus of the megalithic culture in the state, which existed about 3,500 years ago. The megalithic era materials, including dolmens, cairn circles and urn burials discovered form nearby areas in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are testimony to this.

Archaeologists say that due to large-scale migration during the Neolithic period (stage before megalithic), one group settled in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and the other moved to Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in present day Tamil Nadu. It is believed that geographical factors might have prompted them to settle in these places. While the Western Ghats were inaccessible with mighty mountains and thick forests, the Eastern Ghats had several intersections and water bodies, plains and valleys. Since these hillocks were accessible and provided enough opportunities for hunting and gathering, they settled here, said retired superintendent of Archaeological Survey of India K T Narasimhan.

A large number of dolmens and gradual development of architecture from flat granite slabs to decorated moon-shaped slabs show that a huge community had settled here for a long period, he said. Pre-historic art expert K T Gandhirajan, who documented this site, said Mallachandram was a unique settlement, which was used as an habitation rather than a burial ground. The size of dolmens and spacious interiors indicate that the community might have used it as shelters, probably during rainy seasons, he said.

It is the only megalithic site in Tamil Nadu where you can find four types of dolmens, large number of megalithic paintings and pottery. I found large number of black, red, and black and red pottery around Mallachandram, said Gandhirajan. Contrary to the general perception, megalithic people never buried dead bodies. The bodies were left in the open ground and bones were collected later and placed inside the dolmens.

The main purpose of the dolmens was to offer worship to ancestors. Bones and tools used by the man were placed at the centre and the four sides were covered with huge flat slabs. The top was covered with another huge slab. In one of the upright slabs, a circular hole was made and bones and belongings were pushed inside. “One dolmen was used for a family for generations by placing the remains though the open hole. The varying shapes may be because of social stratification that prevailed in the society then. It also shows the development of megalithic architecture, Narasimhan said.

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