The Kerala State Department of Archaeology is set to undertake the scientific restoration of seven megalithic 'Kudakkal' (umbrella stones) in the Karivellur area of Kannur. These ancient monuments offer a rare glimpse into the region's 3,000-year-old history.

  • Seven megalithic 'Kudakkal' or umbrella stones in Kozhummal-Peralam, Karivellur, will undergo scientific restoration.
  • These burial monuments are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
  • The project aims to reposition fallen stones and investigate potential burial artifacts like pottery.

The Kerala State Department of Archaeology has announced a significant initiative to restore and scientifically investigate seven megalithic umbrella stones located in the Kozhummal-Peralam area of Karivellur, Kannur. The restoration work is scheduled to commence immediately following the Onam festival.

Understanding the 'Kudakkal'

A Kudakkal, commonly known as an umbrella stone, is a distinctive megalithic burial monument. It consists of four upright side slabs, known as orthostats, which support a large, domical capstone. These structures are characteristic of the Megalithic period and are found across various districts in Kerala, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

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Restoration and Scientific Investigation

K. Krishnaraj, an archaeologist and officer-in-charge at the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum, stated that the primary objective is to carefully reposition and conserve these stones, most of which have fallen from their original positions. While the priority is restoration, the department will also conduct scientific investigations to check for the presence of burial artifacts, such as ancient pottery, beneath the monuments. However, no large-scale excavation is planned at this stage.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this restoration is crucial for preserving the tangible history of the Karivellur region. These monuments serve as vital evidence of human habitation in the area dating back more than three millennia. Protecting these sites helps bridge the gap between modern Kerala and its prehistoric roots.

Preserving these monuments offers a window into the ancient history of Karivellur, providing invaluable insights for historians and students alike.

The surviving umbrella stones are situated on the ancestral property of Perikamana Narayanna Namboothiri at Chembottikkunnu. In a remarkable display of heritage preservation, Mr. Namboothiri, a local temple priest, has repeatedly refused lucrative offers to sell the land, choosing instead to safeguard his ancestors' burial sites.

Historical Significance

Historian Mualeedharan Karivellur has compared the historical importance of these remains to the pyramids of Egypt, noting that they were even documented by William Logan in the Malabar Manual. Payyanur MLA Kunhikrishnan added that these monuments, spanning from Edavaramba to Ezhumala, are testament to over 3,000 years of continuous human presence in the region.

Did You Know?: The term 'Kudakkal' literally translates to 'umbrella stone,' referring to its unique domed shape that resembles a traditional umbrella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is a Megalithic umbrella stone?
Answer: It is an ancient burial monument made of upright stone slabs supporting a dome-shaped capstone.

Question 2: How old are these monuments?
Answer: They are believed to be more than 3,000 years old.