Why is it in the news?
Archaeologists discovered a Megalithic laterite rock-cut chamber in Kasaragod district of Kerala.
The discovery provides new insights into prehistoric burial practices in South India.
Category: History
Important Points:
● The chamber belongs to the Megalithic burial tradition of prehistoric South India.
● Megalithic culture involved constructing large stone burial structures called megaliths.
● These structures were mainly located away from habitation sites.
● South Indian megalithic culture is dated roughly between 1000 BCE and 100 CE.
● The peak period of the culture occurred between 600 BCE and 100 CE.
● The culture corresponds to the Iron Age with widespread use of iron tools and weapons.
● Major sites include Brahmagiri and Chandravalli in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.
● Megalithic communities practiced agriculture, hunting, fishing and animal husbandry.