Mudu Konaje Megalithic Dolmen Site Reveals Ancient Terracotta Figurines

 

This piece of content falls within the current affairs section and delves into the intriguing world of the Megalithic Dolmen site. The megalithic civilization in India is known for its various burial practices, including diverse types of graves and the utilization of iron. Moreover, it boasts impressive stone structures like dolmens. The insightful author of this section is Gaurav N, and our esteemed faculty member Kapil Kushwah has meticulously examined it for its upcoming publication on our website and in our current affairs news.

In a recent archaeological excavation near Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada, a remarkable discovery has been made at the Mudu Konaje Megalithic Dolmen Site. The site has yielded a diverse collection of terracotta figurines, along with bone and iron fragments, providing fresh insights into its historical significance.

Discovering the Mudu Konaje Megalithic Dolmen Site

Originally brought to attention by historian Pundikai Ganapayya Bhat in the 1980s, the Mudu Konaje Megalithic Dolmen Site, situated approximately 8 km from Moodbidri, was once the largest of its kind. It boasted nine dolmens perched on the slope of a stone hill, although only two dolmens remain intact today, with the rest having deteriorated over time.

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Unveiling the Dolmens of Megalithic Culture

The megalithic culture in India is known for its diverse burial practices and the utilization of iron. Among its architectural marvels are large stone monuments, including dolmens, menhirs, and cairns. Dolmens, characterized by large stone slabs (orthostats) arranged in a clockwise fashion to form a square chamber, feature prominently in this culture. They are sealed with a massive capstone and typically include a round or U-shaped entrance on the eastern slab. In South India, these structures go by various names, such as Kalmane, Pandavara Mane, Moriyara Mane, Moriyara Betta, and more.

Significance of Unearthed Terracotta Figurines

Among the discoveries at the site are eight terracotta figurines, including two cow bovines, a mother goddess, two peacocks, a horse, the hand of a mother goddess, and an unidentified object. Although these figurines had been disturbed by treasure hunters, they hold immense historical value. The cow bovines found within the dolmens are particularly crucial for determining the chronology of these structures.

The presence of terracotta figurines in megalithic burials provides valuable insights into the Bhoota cult or Daiva Aradhane of coastal Karnataka. Remarkably, the cow goddess figurines found here draw parallels with those discovered in Malampuzha, Kerala, and even Egypt. Radiocarbon dating places the terracotta figurines from Mudu Konaje in the period of 800-700 BC.

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