Megalithic Laterite Rock-Cut Chamber Unearthed in Kerala

• 14 Mar 2026

Recently, a significant megalithic laterite rock-cut chamber has been discovered in Kasaragod district, Kerala.

• This finding provides new insights into the prehistoric burial practices and material culture of the region.
• The chamber is part of a larger burial complex where pottery of varying shapes and sizes was interred as part of ritualistic practices.
• Locally, these structures are known by several evocative names in Kerala and surrounding regions:
  • Muniyara (Hermit’s cell)
  • Pandava Cave (Linked to the mythological Pandavas)
  • Peeranki Cave (Cannon cave)
  • Nidhikuzhi (Treasure pit)
  • Kalppathayam (Stone box/granary)
• Megalithic culture refers to a prehistoric practice characterized by the construction of massive stone structures, known as megaliths.
• These structures primarily served as burial sites and were usually located away from habitation areas.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that South Indian megalithic cultures existed from around 1000 BCE to 100 CE, with peak activity between 600 BCE and 100 CE.
• During this period, the region saw a fully developed Iron Age culture, with extensive use of iron technology.
• Artifacts such as iron weapons and agricultural tools have been found across various sites.
• The main concentration of megalithic culture was in the Deccan region, especially south of the Godavari River.
• Prominent sites include Brahmagiri and Chandravalli in Karnataka, Junapani, Khapa, and Muhurjhari in Maharashtra, and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu.
• Megalithic practices were also observed in the Punjab Plains, the Indo-Gangetic basin, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Burzahom in Jammu and Kashmir.