Tucked away in the Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu, the Mallachandram dolmen site offers a fascinating glimpse into India’s Iron Age, dating back roughly 2,500 to 3,500 years. This megalithic tomb site is an archaeological treasure, providing insight into ancient burial practices and the engineering prowess of its creators. If you’re planning a visit, here’s what you need to know.
Getting There
Traveling to the Mallachandram dolmen site is relatively straightforward. If you’re coming from Hosur to Krishnagiri on National Highway 44, take a slight detour about 20 kilometers before reaching Krishnagiri. Turn towards Samalpallam village and follow the signs to Beerapali. Google Maps will guide you accurately to the parking area near Beerapali village. From there, a pleasant 15-minute walk on a trail leads you through a bushy forest area known as Moeral Paarai to the dolmens, which are situated on a series of hillocks.
The Dolmens: Structures of the Past
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by nearly 200 dolmens nestled within the dense foliage. A dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb constructed from two or more vertical stones that support a horizontal slab above them. These structures are believed to have served as burial chambers or tombs for the dead, with human remains and artifacts often discovered within.
The Mallachandram dolmens appear to have been designed specifically as resting places for the deceased. Similar dolmens can be found worldwide, but in India, they are most commonly concentrated in the southern regions. The origin of the word “dolmen” is thought to derive from the Breton word for “stone table” or the Cornish term for “hole of stone,” both reflecting the structure’s characteristics.
Understanding Dolmen Terminology
To appreciate these ancient structures fully, it’s essential to understand some key terms associated with dolmens:
- Orthostats: The large vertical stones that form the walls of the dolmen.
- Capstone: The horizontal slab resting atop the orthostats, often referred to as the “table.”
- Port-hole: A hole found in the orthostat, sometimes serving as an entrance or passageway.
- Kerb stones or Peristaliths: The stones that form a ring around the dolmen, sometimes creating a burial enclosure.
Unique Features of the Mallachandram Dolmens
At Mallachandram, you can observe several distinctive types of dolmens:
- Standard Dolmens: Typically built with four vertical slabs and a capstone, often featuring a round port-hole facing east. Surrounding circles of vertical slabs can be seen in some instances, with variations in height.
- Circular Patterns: Some dolmens display two concentric circles of vertical slabs, with the outer circle being shorter. The slabs alternate between semicircular and rectangular tops, adding to the architectural complexity.
- Central Importance: In some cases, smaller dolmens are positioned around a larger central dolmen, suggesting that it served as the resting place for a person of significance, with the surrounding dolmens for their close companions.
- Proto-Stupa Appearance: One unique dolmen resembles a primitive stupa. It features a tight circle of slabs of equal height, reinforced by massive stone blocks at the base. The spaces between these stone circles are filled with loose stones, mimicking a stupa’s structure.
- Complex Architecture: Another type features a passage made from rectangular slabs, raised to the level of the port-hole. This is encircled by triangular stone slabs, creating a wall-like appearance, with loose slabs filling the gaps.
Significance of the Site
The Mallachandram dolmen site is not just an archaeological site but a window into the beliefs and practices of the people who inhabited the region. Constructed from locally sourced materials, these dolmens likely held significant spiritual importance, serving as resting places for the dead in alignment with their belief systems. The engineering feat of erecting these massive stone slabs showcases the remarkable architectural skills of the time.
Urgent Need for Protection
Unfortunately, the Mallachandram dolmen site is not a protected area, leaving it vulnerable to vandalism and treasure hunting. Many of the dolmens have been damaged, with slabs broken and tombs excavated by those seeking valuable artifacts. Urgent action is needed to protect these ancient megalithic monuments from further degradation, ensuring that they remain a part of our cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate.
Conclusion
The Mallachandram dolmen site is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or simply the beauty of ancient structures. The trek through the lush forest to reach the dolmens is rewarding, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to reflect on the lives of those who came before us. If you find yourself in the Krishnagiri District, make sure to include a visit to this remarkable site in your itinerary, and take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and cultural significance of these ancient tombs.
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