NEW DELHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stumbled upon a cluster of over 100 megaliths near Malampuzha dam in Palakkad, largest water barrier and reservoir in Kerala during a recent exploration expedition.  

“Recent explorations near the Malampuzha dam in Palakkad, Kerala has led to a fascinating discovery of megalithic structures spread across island-like mounds. The team of ASI surveyed the area and came across more than 110 megaliths spreading across 45 hectares of land,” said ASI officials.

Megalithic structures are structures, which are built for burials using large, often rough stones, without mortar or cement. Such chambers were common during Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

The ASI said that most of the burials are of Cists variety – both single and multiple chambered—Stone Circles, Urns, Dolmens, and Dolmenoid Cists. “These structures are primarily constructed with massive granite slabs and boulders, some also incorporate laterite stones,” said ASI.

Cist grave is a small stone-built coffin-like box or ossuary used to hold the bodies of the dead.

Megaliths, large stone structures, are found across India particularly in the southern India. Most notable sites are Brahmagiri in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.

“The finding of such a large number of megalithic burials in clusters is expected to add further insights about early Iron Age society and belief system in Kerala,” added ASI officials.