Question

What was the Megalithic system of burial? Briefly explain the different Megalithic monuments in Tamil Nadu.

Answer 1

Instructions :
It can be divided into two parts:

1. Megalithic system of burial
2. Different Megalithi Monuments
   -Dolmens
   -Menhirs
   -Hero Stones

Solution :

The people who lived during the last stages of the New Stone Age began to follow the Megalithic system of burial. According to the Megalithic system of Burial, the dead body was placed in a big pot along with burial goods. The people who lived during this phase had a highly advanced civilisation, had the knowledge of iron and did community living.

Types of Megalithic Monuments found in Tamil Nadu:

Dolmens are Megalithic Tombs made of 2 or more upright stones with a single stone lying across the burial site. Megalithic dolmens have been found from Veeraraghavapuram village in Kanchipuram district, Kummalamaruthupatti in Dindigul district, and from Narasingampatti in Madurai district.

Menhirs are monolithic pillars planted vertically into the ground in the memory of the dead. ‘Men’ means stone and ‘hir’ means long in the Breton language. The Menhirs at Singaripalayam in Tirupur District and at Vembur in Theni District point to the existence of an ancient settlement along the banks of River Uppar.

Hero Stones are memorial stones that were raised in remembrance of the honourable death of a hero in a battle or those who lost their lives while defending their village. Hero stones are found at Maanur village near Palani, Dindigul district, Vellalankottai, Tuticorin district, and Pulimankombai, Dindigul district.