Megalithic Dolmen Site : Found
Unique terracotta figurines in different states of preservation have been found in recent archaeological explorations conducted in the megalithic dolmen site at Mudu Konaje, near Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada.
- Megalithic culture is known for its different types of burials and use of iron in India. Dolmen is one among them.
- Under a dolmen, huge stone slabs known as orthostats were erected in clockwise order, which created a square room.
- This square chamber was closed by another huge stone slab as a capstone.\
- Generally, on the Eastern slab, a round or U-shaped entrance known as port hole was created.
- It was known by different names in South India, like Kalmane, Pandavara Mane, Moriyara Mane and Moriyara Betta etc., which reveals its popularity among the common people.
- Mudu Konaje site figurines were datable to 800-700 BC.
- It was the biggest megalithic dolmen site, which consisted of nine dolmens on the slope of a stone hill.
- Of the eight figurines found, there are two cow bovines, one mother goddess, two peacocks, a horse, the hand of a mother goddess, and an unknown object.
