Archaeologists in Kannur, Kerala, have discovered a rare wheel-like stone with a central post hole at a Megalithic burial site. The find, located alongside several 'Kudakkals' (umbrella stones), opens new questions about ancient burial rituals in the region.
- A rare wheel-like stone with a central post hole was discovered at Kuzhummal-Peralam, Kannur.
- The find is located near seven Megalithic 'Kudakkals' (umbrella stones) and a 'hat stone'.
- The Kerala State Department of Archaeology is planning a scientific restoration of the site.
In a significant archaeological breakthrough, a rare wheel-like stone featuring a distinct central post hole has been unearthed during an investigation at Kuzhummal-Peralam in Karivellur, Kannur. This discovery adds a mysterious layer to a cluster of Megalithic burial monuments already documented in the region, suggesting a more complex ritualistic landscape than previously understood.
The artifact was found on a residential plot belonging to Perikamana Narayanan Namboothiri. The site is already known to house seven Kudakkals (umbrella stones), which are iconic Megalithic burial monuments consisting of four upright stone slabs supporting a domical capstone. Additionally, a 'hat stone' was identified during the survey, further cementing the area's importance as a prehistoric necropolis.
K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, emphasized that the discovery of a wheel-like stone in direct association with umbrella stones is highly unusual. While the object is intriguing, Krishnaraj noted that its precise function remains speculative because the site had been disturbed, erasing the original spatial context of the stone.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the presence of varied monument types—umbrella stones, hat stones, and now this wheel-like artifact—indicates that Karivellur was a major hub for Megalithic culture. The diversity of these monuments suggests a sophisticated social hierarchy or differing burial customs based on the status of the deceased during the Iron Age.
"The precise identification and archaeological significance cannot be conclusively established at present because the original spatial context and position of the object are unclear due to the disturbed nature of the site."
The Kerala State Department of Archaeology is now preparing for a comprehensive scientific investigation. The primary goal is the restoration of the seven umbrella stones, many of which have collapsed over millennia. By repositioning and conserving these orthostats, experts hope to reconstruct the original layout of the burial chamber.
Historical Background
Megalithic culture in Kerala is characterized by the use of large stones to mark burial sites. These range from Dolmens and Cists to the unique Kudakkals found primarily in districts like Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. These structures typically date back thousands of years, providing a window into the early human settlements and belief systems of the Indian peninsula.
| Monument Type | Structure | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Kudakkal | 4 upright slabs + domical cap | North Kerala (Kannur, Kasaragod) |
| Hat Stone | Mushroom-shaped capstone | Various Megalithic sites |
| Wheel Stone | Circular with post hole | Rare/Atypical finds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a Kudakkal?
A Kudakkal is a Megalithic umbrella stone consisting of four vertical stone slabs supporting a rounded top stone, used as a burial marker.
Q2: Why is the wheel-like stone considered rare?
It is rare because such artifacts are not commonly found alongside umbrella stones, making its functional purpose a subject of intense archaeological curiosity.
