Two Megalithic Menhirs Discovered in Kundapura Region

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Udupi: Recent archaeological explorations in the Kundapura region have led to the discovery of two Megalithic Menhirs (upright standing stones). The discovery was made by the Adima Kala Trust (R.), Udupi, with the stones being found at Hilkod (situated on the Neralekatte and Ajri road) and Mavinakere in Kenchanur village. Prof. T. Murugeshi, archaeologist and founder trustee of the Adima Kala Trust (R.), announced the findings in a press release today.

The standing stone, or Nilskal, at Mavinakere is approximately 112 cm in height and is leaning slightly toward the north-west. The Hilkod nilskal is taller, measuring about 135 cm in height. A small test trench excavated beneath the Hilkod stone uncovered crushed pieces of red and creamy pottery, although these fragments appear to be from a much later period than the Menhir itself.

Nilskals—or free-standing stones—are found throughout South India, ranging in height from 3 feet to 16 feet or more. These structures were historically installed near or directly over the burial sites of the Megalithic period, serving as important memorials. Locally, they are often worshipped, either knowingly or unknowingly, and referred to by various names of semi-gods, including Bhootappa, Rakkasagal, Chowdi, Bobbarya, and Pili Chamundi.

Prof. T. Murugeshi noted the historical significance of the finds, suggesting that both the Hilkod and Mavinakere nilskals belong to the last phase of the Megalithic culture in the Kundapura region. The oldest known Menhirs in this wider area, such as the Nilskal and Heragal group in the Nagara region of Hosanagara taluk (Shimoga district), date back to approximately 800 B.C. However, the Mavinakere and Hilkode Menhirs are estimated to belong to the period between 300 B.C. and the 1st or 2nd century A.D. The archaeologist also extended thanks to the individuals who assisted in the research, including Mr. Murulidhar Hegade, Vishwanth Gulwadi, Nagesh Ganiga, Teja Ganiga, Sudhakar Shetty, C. Nagaraj Shetty, Manjunath Mogavira, and the Adima Kala research team members Shreyas Bantakal, Gowtham Belman, and Ravindra Kushwa.