Megaliths Megaliths: Iron, Shifting Cultivation and Tribes
By Shereen Ratnagar (Archaeologist)
Between 1,100 BCE and 300 CE peninsular India had Megaliths, which were burial structures made of stone. At most sites of Magaliths iron tools and weapons and weapons were found. It is understood that the arrival of iron led tools what were used in clearing forest and the formation of the state. While this was considered true in the Gangetic areas, but not in peninsular India. In this lecture we see how the topography of the southern part of the sub-continent is not suitable for settled agriculture like the northern half. Yet, we see a large-scale use of iron in making variety of weapons. In fact, state formation takes place quite late in this part. Here we see that despite having similar material conditions historical developments can be different.
Useful Links:
- Megaliths of Kerala: Commemorating Death through Monuments in Stone
- Brahmagiri, Karnataka: Some Recent Finds and Observations
- A Study of Ceramics as Grave Goods