Pipeline work leads to the vast megalithic site in Kerala
Context :
During a recent salvage operation by the Kerala State Archaeology Department in Nagaparamba in Kuttippuram village, close to Tirunavaya, in Malappuram district, several megalithic hat stones were discovered from a single location.
Location and Context:
- The Kerala State Archaeology Department excavated Nagaparamba, which is situated in Kuttippuram village close to Tirunavaya in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India.
- The site is interesting because it may include megalithic artefacts that can shed light on regional culture and ancient burial customs.
- What were the findings available from
What were the findings from the excavations?
- Hat Stones, also known as Thoppikkallu:
- Hemispherical laterite stones are referred to as “hat stones” or “Thoppikkallu” in Malayalam.
- They were used as urn lids throughout the megalithic period, an era characterized by massive stone constructions and burial customs.
- Relics and Burial Sites:
- The excavation uncovered a sizable number of megalithic relics and burial sites.
- These included a large number of iron tools and earthen urns, each with its special qualities.
What is the significance of the find in the present-day world?
- The largest collection of hat stones found at an unprotected archaeological site in the state may have been found at the Nagaparamba dig.
- This highlights the find’s uniqueness and importance.
- The requirement for thorough documentation of the discoveries and the excavation site is emphasized by archaeologists.
- The preservation of important historical and archaeological data for upcoming study and comprehension is ensured by proper documentation.
What is the historical Insight provided by these findings?
- The findings shed light on the lives, cultures, and customs of those who lived in the area during the megalithic period, more than 2,000 years ago.
- The artefacts offer hints about prehistoric social structures and burial practices.
- The discoveries from the Nagaparamba excavation help to preserve and comprehend the local area’s cultural heritage.
- They serve as a concrete link to the past and aid in the reconstruction of the area’s history.
What do these findings tell us about that era?
- Funeral Rituals and Practices:
- The abundance of funeral urns and hat stones suggests that the megalithic people of the time had unique burial rituals involving the usage of these stone covers.
- A degree of respect for the deceased and perhaps a belief in an afterlife can be inferred from the meticulous placement of hat stones as burial urn lids.
- Social structure and community composition:
- Megalithic burial sites and artefacts are evidence of organized social institutions and groups that practised communal burial.
- The consistent use of hat stones in various funerals points to a common cultural heritage among the community.
- Technology and handiwork:
- The production of hat stones and other megalithic structures needed both a high level of handiwork and a thorough understanding of stone carving methods.
- The technical prowess of those people is evidenced by their ability to carve stones into hemispherical covers.
- Cultural Beliefs and Symbolism:
- The megalithic society may have attributed symbolic value to the use of hat stones as lids.
- These symbols could be a reflection of the people’s relationship to nature or their views on the afterlife.
- Material Culture and Economy:
- The discovery of iron implements among the artefacts indicates the megalithic period’s use of metals.
- This sheds light on the period’s technological development and the significance of metallurgy to their economy and way of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sizable collection of megalithic hat stones and other artefacts have been discovered during the recent salvage dig at Nagaparamba in Kuttippuram village, Malappuram district, Kerala. These findings illuminate historical events, cultural practices, and aspects of the history of the area, highlighting the value of accurate documentation and preservation for future generations
