Rare wheel-like stone with post hole unearthed at Kerala's Megalithic burial site
Archaeologists in Kerala have unearthed a rare wheel-shaped stone with a central post hole during an investigation at Kuzhummal-Peralam in Karivellur, Kannur district. The discovery adds to a cluster of Megalithic burial monuments already documented in the area.
The stone was found on Tuesday on the residential plot of Perikamana Narayanan Namboothiri at Peralam, where seven Megalithic umbrella stones, locally known as kudakkals, have been identified by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. A hat stone, another type of monument associated with Megalithic culture, was also found during the survey.
K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum under the state archaeology department, said the wheel-like stone is an unusual find in association with umbrella stones. However, he cautioned that its precise identification and archaeological significance cannot be conclusively established at this stage because the original spatial context and position of the object are unclear due to the disturbed nature of the site.
“The wheel-like stone with a post hole is not commonly encountered in association with umbrella stones. However, its 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,” Mr. Krishnaraj said.
He said further investigation, detailed documentation, and contextual analysis would be necessary to determine the function and significance of the stone and whether it was directly associated with the Megalithic burial assemblage.
The Department of Archaeology is preparing to undertake a scientific investigation and restoration of the seven umbrella stones, with work expected to begin soon. A kudakkal consists of four upright stone slabs, or orthostats, supporting a domical capstone. These distinctive burial monuments are associated with the Megalithic period and are found across parts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
“The prime objective is to restore the umbrella stones, most of which have fallen, by carefully repositioning and conserving them,” Mr. Krishnaraj said. “Preserving the monuments, which offer a window into the ancient history of Karivellur, a region with a significant tradition of peasant struggles, would enable history enthusiasts and students to gain a closer understanding of the past,” he added.
The discovery highlights the rich Megalithic heritage of northern Kerala, where such burial sites are relatively common but often remain unprotected. Further studies are expected to throw light on the rituals and lifeways of ancient communities that once inhabited the region.
