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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs have recently been included in India's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Telangana, which currently has just one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ramappa Temple (added in 2021), could potentially gain a second with the approval of these menhirs.
Know About Menhirs
Menhirs are large, upright stones, often with a tapered top. These stones are human-made, shaped, and placed by ancient civilizations. The word 'menhir' is derived from the Brittonic terms for "stone" and "long." The tallest menhir ever discovered is the Grand Menhir Brisé in France, which once stood at a towering height of 20.6 meters.
Historical Context
Menhirs were constructed during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Ages, around 4,800 to 3,800 years ago. The oldest known European menhirs date back about 7,000 years. The Mudumal menhirs in India are among the earliest monumental structures in the country, reflecting an ancient architectural tradition.
Purpose And Significance
The precise function of menhirs remains speculative, but they are believed to have had ceremonial purposes, acted as grave markers, or perhaps had astronomical functions. Some scholars suggest that the Mudumal menhirs may have been used as part of an ancient observatory, as their alignment corresponds with solar events, such as solstices.
Cultural And Local Significance
The Mudumal menhirs are closely tied to local myths and traditions. For example, one of the menhirs is revered as the Goddess Yellamma, highlighting its cultural and spiritual significance in the region. The site holds a central role in local folklore and traditions, further emphasizing its importance.
UNESCO Recognition Criteria
The Mudumal menhirs are being considered for UNESCO recognition for two primary reasons: they represent ancient technological and astronomical knowledge and provide valuable insights into the social and spiritual beliefs of the communities that built them. Their construction, requiring considerable effort, points to their importance in the society that created them.
Impact On Archaeological Research
Should the Mudumal menhirs receive UNESCO recognition, it would significantly enhance archaeological research in India. This recognition would spur further studies of megalithic sites across the country, revealing more about ancient societies, their technologies, and their interactions with the environment.
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