Megalithic Dolmen Site

Megalithic Dolmen Site

News: Unique terracotta figurines in different states of preservation have been found in recent archaeological explorations conducted in the megalithic dolmen site at Mudu Konaje, near Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada.

About Megalithic culture in India:
• Megalithic culture is known for its different types of burials and use of iron in India. Dolmen is one among them.

Key Findings:
• The figurines were datable to 800-700 BC.
• It was the biggest megalithic dolmen site, which consisted of nine dolmens on the slope of a stone hill.
• Of the eight figurines found, there are two cow bovines, one mother goddess, two peacocks, a horse, the hand of a mother goddess, and an unknown object.

Significance:
• The cow bovines found in the dolmens help to determine the chronology of the dolmens.
• Terracottas found in the megalithic burial provide a solid ground for the study of the Bhoota cult or Daiva Aradhane of coastal Karnataka.
• Cow bovine or Cow goddess had its parallels in Malampuzha megalithic terracotta figurines of Kerala and Egypt.