Explore this ancient astronomical marvel in Telangana
Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, also known as Mudumal Niluvu Raallu, are among the largest and most enigmatic standing stones located in Telangana. Historians believe this is the only megalithic site in India where a star constellation depiction has been identified
Hyderabad: The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs have been listed in the UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. But, what and where are these Menhirs?
Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs also known as Mudumal Niluvu Raallu are among the largest and most enigmatic standing stones in India. Dating back over 3,000 years, these towering monoliths are located in Mudumal village of Narayanpet district, Telangana.
Some of these massive stones reach heights of 5 to 6 meters and are unique due to their sheer scale, alignment in rows, and possible astronomical significance.
Historians believe this is the only megalithic site in India where a star constellation depiction has been identified, hinting at early astronomical knowledge.
Glimpse into Megalithic society
This site features three distinct burial setups, suggesting a social hierarchy and a tradition of honouring the departed. The menhirs also appear to have been used for tracking the sun’s movement, possibly helping ancient communities determine seasons and plan agricultural activities based on the shadows they cast at sunrise.
Spanning nearly 89 acres, the site houses around 80 towering menhirs, each 10 to 14 feet tall, accompanied by nearly 3,000 alignment stones. The menhirs’ arrangement — similar to Stonehenge in Great Britain — suggests a sophisticated understanding of celestial events.
Evidence of early astronomy
Experts have discovered an inscription of the Ursa Major constellation on a rock at the site. This indicates that the ancient inhabitants could identify the North direction, possibly aiding in navigation beyond their settlements.
Additionally, researchers found that certain rows of menhirs align with the rising and setting sun on the summer solstice and equinox, further reinforcing their astronomical significance.
Artifacts and cultural markers
The site has yielded various artifacts, including: workshops, stone boulders engraved with trident symbol, pottery fragments, shell bangles, iron objects, irrigation canal, and human bones.
Local communities refer to these megaliths as ‘Banthi Rallu’ and ‘Niluvu Rallu’. Despite the minimal presence of rock art, engravings of a Goddess with a bull and various shapes of trident have been found.
Disappearing legacy
Approximately 500 meters from the main site, another burial site features mounds of stones and a three-foot rectangular stone engraved with what appears to be a sky chart. Unfortunately, many of the menhirs that once stood across 80 acres have been lost to agricultural expansion, leaving only a fraction of this ancient heritage intact.
The Mudumal Menhirs provide a fascinating link to India’s prehistoric past, offering insights into the rituals, scientific knowledge, and cosmological beliefs of our megalithic ancestors.
