- To understand the importance of megalithic monuments.
- To analyse different types of megalithic monuments.
- To understand the funeral practices of ancient Tamilakam.
- To understand their life patterns.
- To familiarize sites of megalithic monuments.
This module deals with megalithic monuments in ancient Tamilakam.The megaliths usually refer to the burials made of large stones in graveyard away from the habitation area.Megalithicmonuments-definition,meagalithic period, types,sites are discussed simple.
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MEGALITHIC MONUMENTS
The term “megalith” derived from Greek ‘megas’, which means great and 'lithos' meaning stone. So megalithic refer to the monument built of large stone.
In some areas big stones were placed above the urn burials.Stones circle, rock chamber, thoppikkallu, kudakkallu (umbrella stone), sarcophagus, menhirs etc were remarkable among them. They are known as the megalithic monuments.
Megalithic monuments are the major sources of information to reconstruct the history of ancient Tamilakam.
Megalithic period
The period when the megalithic monuments were constructed is known as the megalithic period.
Types of megalithic monuments
- Urn burial (nannagadi)
- Stone circle
- Dolmen
- Cist
- Rock chamber
- Thoppikkallu
- Kudakkallu
- Sarcophagus
- Menhirs
Urn burial: The urns used for burying the dead body are known as urn burials or nannagadi.
Stone circle: These are circle made of dressed or undressed granite laterite stones which mark the location of a burial site. The stone are arranged in the form of single or multiple circles.
Dolmen: A dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb,usually consisting of two or more vertical megaliths supporting a large flat horizontal capstone or table.
Cist: A cist is a small stone-built coffin like box or ossuary used to hold the bodies of dead.
Rock chamber: A type of megalithic monument contains the burial part of the dead human skeletal remains, iron implements, stone beads, potteries etc.
Thoppikkallu: A thoppikkallu also known as ‘hat stone' is a hemispherical laterite stone that is used as a lid on a burial urn. It is also unique to present day Kerala
Kudakkallu: Kudakkallu or umbrella stone is a collection of rocks shaped as overgrown mushroom or stunted umbrellas.
Sarcophagus: A sarcophagus is literally a legged coffin made of terracotta.
Menhir: This is a single monolith set up at or near a burial mound.
Different types of iron tools have been discovered from this megalithic monuments:
- Sword
- Spear
- Knife
- Hook
- Lamp
- Nail
Besides iron tools, clay pots, beads etc. were also found from these monuments. Roman coins were also discovered from a few monuments.
Iron age
Different types of iron tools have been discovered from this megalithic monuments. That's why this period is known as the iron age in South Indian history.
Many megalithic monuments have been found from different parts of South India.
- Kodumanal
- Alagarai
- Thirukambaliyoor
- Pazhani
- Adichanellur
- Cheramangad
- Umichipoyil
- Marayoor
This topic does not require any case study.
- Briefly explain about megalithic monuments?
- Why is the iron age in South India called the megalithic period?
- What are the features of megalithic monuments?
- What is importance of megalithic monuments in the history of South India?
- Which are the major megalithic sites in South India?
- Visit the megalithic monument and prepare a note.
- Collects the pictures of megalithic monuments and prepare an album.
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- Social science text book class 8
Megalithic monuments: It refer to the megalithic monument built of large stone.
Megalithic period: The period when the megalithic monuments were constructed.
https://selfstudyhistory.com/2015/01/22/megalithic-culture/
https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/shijivs3/megalithic-period
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1anKTAq-wWvim5e5Vrf8BemHnMMmt_rGw/view?usp=drivesdk
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Swapna.m.k
Mother Teresa College of Teacher Education Perambra
swapnamk96@gmail.com
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