Home  /  Daily Current Affairs  /  19-03-2025 / Standing Stones of Mudumal in Telangana

Standing Stones of Mudumal in Telangana

Last updated on March 19th, 2025 Posted on March 19, 2025 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  664

Syllabus: GS1/Geography; Indian Heritage Sites; GS3/Conservation

Context

  • Recently, the Standing Stones of Mudumal, located in Telangana’s Narayanpet district, have been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs (Standing Stones)

  • These are large standing stones (aka menhirs), some reaching heights of 10 to 14 feet, that were likely erected by prehistoric communities, arranged in a pattern.
    • Located near the banks of the Krishna River.
  • These stones are believed to have been used for funerary rites and astronomical observations, showcasing the advanced understanding of celestial events by prehistoric communities.
  • This site is a significant remnant of the megalithic tradition in South Asia, dating back approximately 3500 to 4000 years.
  • Archaeologists suggest that these megaliths date back to 1000 BCE – 300 BCE, making them contemporary to the Iron Age cultures of South India.
Standing Stones of Mudumal in Telangana
Megalithic Culture in India
– It is associated with Neolithic and Iron Age societies that thrived between 1500 BCE and 500 CE, especially in the Deccan Plateau. 
– The standing stones in Mudumal align with similar megalithic traditions found in other parts of South India, such as in Karnataka and Kerala.
Other Similar Sites in India
– Hire Benekallu in Karnataka: It is notable for its extensive collection of menhirs, dolmens, and cave paintings, earning a place on the UNESCO Tentative List in 2021.
– Vibhutihalli in Karnataka: It showcases a large rectangular field of boulders arranged in avenues, demonstrating solar alignments.
– Nilgiri Dolmens in Tamil Nadu: These comprise dolmens, stone circles, cists, and petroglyphs.
Other Global Sites
– Stonehenge in England and the Carnac stones in France (these have already been recognized by UNESCO).
– The largest known menhir is the Grand Menhir Brisé in France, once stood at 20.6 m tall.

Significance of Mudumal Menhirs

  • Astronomical Importance: These menhirs are carefully positioned to align with celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes.
  • Cultural and Spiritual Relevance: One particular menhir is worshipped as Goddess Yellamma, and the site is locally known as ‘Niluralla Thimmappa’ (Thimmappa of the Standing Stones).

Path to UNESCO Recognition

  • The inclusion of Mudumal’s Standing Stones in the UNESCO Tentative List is the first step toward achieving full World Heritage status. The next steps involve:
Path to UNESCO Recognition
  • Detailed Documentation & Research: Further archaeological and historical studies will strengthen the nomination process.
  • Government and Public Support: The Indian government, along with heritage conservation bodies, must actively push for its recognition.
  • UNESCO Evaluation: Experts will assess the site’s cultural and historical value before making a final decision.

Source: TH

 
Previous article News In Short-18-03-2025
Next article Women’s Political Participation in India