NEWS  – Recent archaeological explorations in Karnataka’s Udupi district have led to the discovery of two menhirs—ancient free-standing stones—believed to belong to the late Megalithic period. The discovery was made by the Adima Kala Trust (R.), led by archaeologist T. Murugeshi.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sites of Discovery

1. Hilkod (Neralekatte–Ajri Road)

• Menhir height: 135 cm
• A test trench beneath the structure revealed:
  • Crushed red and creamy pottery fragments
  • Pottery was thin, typical of the late Megalithic phase

2. Mavinakere (Kenchanur Village)

• Menhir height: 112 cm
• Slightly leaning towards north-west
• Located about 3–4 km from the Hilkod site

Archaeological Significance

Characteristics of the Menhirs

• Locally called Nilskals
• Represent free-standing commemorative stones
• Linked to the last phase of Megalithic culture in the Kundapur region

Pottery Evidence

• Late Megalithic pottery: thin fabric
• Earlier Megalithic pottery: thick fabric
• Confirms a transition within Megalithic cultural developments

Chronology and Cultural Context

Dating

• Mavinakere & Hilkod menhirs:
  • 300 BCE – 1st/2nd century CE
  • Represents the final quarter of the region’s Megalithic tradition
• Comparative Site:
  • Heragal group of menhirs, Nagara region (Shivamogga):
    • Dates to around 800 BCE
    • Considered the earliest known menhirs in the region

WHAT ARE MENHIRS?

• Also called standing stones or orthostats
• Large upright stones erected by humans
• Globally date to the Bronze Age and Megalithic traditions