Megalithic Relics Unearthed: 2,000-year-old megalithic artifacts discovered in Manimoola village, Bandadukka, Kerala during Jal Jeevan Mission excavation.
Types of Megaliths: Large stones used for burial (sepulchral) and commemorative (non-sepulchral) purposes. Indian megaliths primarily from Iron Age (1500-500 BCE), some earlier (2000 BCE).
Key Artifacts Found: Black ware pot, four-legged jars, varied pot sizes, clay lids, iron stove stand, penknife-like iron tools. Intact bone fragments suggest air-sealed burial urn.
Significance of Bone Finds: Intact bone fragments, rare at megalithic sites, found at base of large clay jar, resembling urn burials in South India. Indicates possible air-sealed urn burial.
Local Megalithic Structures: “Pathaya Kallu” is a nearby suspected megalithic burial site. Other local names for similar chambers: Pandava Guha, Peerangi Guha, Muniyara, Swamikundu, Kalpatthayam.
Unusual Discovery: Migrant workers quickly and carefully retrieved the chamber and artifacts, which typically requires skilled archaeologists days. The durability of the pottery helped preserve it.
Archaeological Examination: Artifacts handed to the Archaeology Department for further study.
