Menhirs

March 19, 2025

The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana have been added to India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If approved, they could become the state’s second UNESCO site after the Ramappa Temple, which was listed in 2021.
Menhirs
- Menhirs are large, upright stones placed by humans, often tapered at the top.
- The name comes from Brittonic words meaning “stone” and “long.”
Historical Context
- Menhirs date back to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (about 4,800 to 3,800 years ago).
- Some of the oldest menhirs in Europe are around 7,000 years old.
- The Mudumal menhirs are significant as they represent one of India’s earliest forms of monumental architecture.
Purpose and Significance
- The purpose of menhirs remains debated, but they were likely used for ceremonial functions, grave markers, or astronomical observations.
- The Mudumal site is believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory, with some menhirs aligned with solar events like solstices.
Cultural Importance
- The Mudumal menhirs are linked to local legends, with one particular menhir venerated as Goddess Yellamma.