Discovery of a Stone Circle (Cairn Circle) at Sree Krishna College Guruvayur: A Link to South India’s Stone Age Heritage

Dr. Midhun K.S.; Akshay Kumar K.1

1

Publication Date: 2024/11/11

Abstract: Megalithic monuments are found extensively across Kerala, offering significant insights into the ancient societies that once thrived in the region. These structures—comprising umbrella stones, rock-cut caves, menhirs, dolmens, port-holed cists, and stone circles— represent a sophisticated ritual landscape spanning various districts. The Thrissur district, particularly near Kunnamkulam and Kandanassery, hosts several important prehistoric sites within a 15-kilometer radius, such as burial caves in Kattakambal, Kandanassery, and Kakkad, as well as the Kudakkallu Parambu at Cheramanangad and the Ariyannur Umbrellas. This paper introduces a newly discovered megalithic site at Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, featuring a stone circle or cairn circle—the first of its kind documented at this location. The study explores the site’s geographical setting, structural characteristics, and cultural significance, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of Kerala's megalithic heritage.

Keywords: Megalithic Monuments, Archaeological Heritage, Stone Circle, Cairn Circle, Umbrella Stone, Burial Practices.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV127

PDF: https://ijirst.demo4.arinfotech.co/assets/upload/files/IJISRT24NOV127.pdf

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