Archaeologists Identify Late Megalithic-Era Menhirs in Udupi District

Udupi: A recent archaeological survey by Aadima Kala Trust, a Udupi-based heritage research organisation, led to the discovery of two ancient Megalithic Menhirs. The findings were made in Hilkodu and Mavinakere villages of Kundapur taluk.

According to archaeologist and founding director of the foundation, Prof T Murugeshi, these Menhirs belong to the late Megalithic phase.

“A small test trench at the base of the Hilkodu stone revealed sherds of cream and red pottery, an important indicator of the later Megalithic culture. We therefore estimate that these Menhirs probably date between 300 BC and the 1st or 2nd century AD,” Murugeshi told Deccan Chronicle.

In Hilkodu, the Menhir is located on the left side of the Nerale Katte-Ajri road, in an area locally known as Daivada Haadi. It is approximately 135 cm high.

“Local people have long called it Neecha Daiva or Bobbarayana Kallu. Another Menhir is located on the roadside at Mavinakere in Kenchanur village. It is about 112 cm high, sloping slightly towards the northwest. The local community here has built a small structure around it and worships it as Raktheshwari,” he said.

Prof Murugeshi said, “During the megalithic period, Menhirs were often erected as monuments near burial sites. In South India, such Menhirs are known by various names such as Rakshasa Kallu, Neltkal, Ninthi Kallu, Basuri Kallu and Aane Kallu; each has cultural meaning and regional interpretation.”

“These stones are not just archaeological findings, they are part of the cultural memory of Tulu Nadu. These are rare relics of early cultural history. It is our collective responsibility to preserve them. Despite their archaeological value, such structures are often overlooked due to lack of awareness or altered for religious and domestic purposes.”

Prof Murugeshi also expressed gratitude to local volunteers like Vishwanath Gulwadi, Sudhakar Shetty, C Nagaraj Shetty (Agricultural Officer), Manju Poojary of Hilkodu, Nagesh Ganiga and members of the research team – Muraleedhara Hegde, Shreyas Bantakal, Gautham Belman and Ravindra Kushwah for helping with the research.