Dolmens of Kodaikanal

Why in news?

Measures are needed to preserve dolmens of Kodaikanal dating back to 5,000 years as it is disappearing fast.

• The Dolmen Circle in Kodaikanal is a Megalithic prehistoric site.
• It is believed to be an area where pre-historic humans lived and were buried.
• It is also a monastic place for meditation and rejuvenation of the spirit for Jesuit priests.
• First recorded by - Jesuit priests Rev. A. Anglade S.J. and Rev. L.V. Newton S.J. in the early 20^th century.
• Features - Dolmens are constructed out of two large erect stone slabs with a larger flat stone slab over them as a roof.
• It is believed that the pre-historic humans used the dolmens in this locality as a hideout and as a spot where they stashed their valuables.
• The large cap-stone that was placed on top of the four vertical slabs had a gentle slope. This led rainwater to flow away from the dolmens.
• The dolmens also had an opening at the lower end to prevent rainwater from accumulating in the chambers.
• Most of the dolmens are invariably erected on rocky ridges or slopes or immediately below a large expanse of rock.
• The builders would have been entirely dependent on the natural quarries nearby.
• Discovered Artefacts - Black and red ware and beads of carnelian that have been excavated from some of these megalithic structures.
• The archaeologists infer that the pre-Iron Age graves may have been located at the highest point of the burial complex.

Reference

The Hindu | Dolmens of Kodaikanal