Why in news?
Archaeologists and heritage activists warn that the ancient dolmens of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu are being destroyed by quarrying, tourism and neglect. These megalithic monuments, some over 5,000 years old, are part of India’s prehistoric heritage.
What are dolmens?
- Dolmens are box‑like stone structures built with upright slabs supporting a large capstone. They served as burial chambers or ritual sites for prehistoric communities.
- Many dolmens have circular openings in the front slab, possibly for ritual communication or sunlight. They are often clustered on hill slopes.
Historical context
- Dolmens in the Palani Hills are dated to around 1500–2000 BCE, belonging to the Megalithic Age.
- They may have been built by Neolithic pastoral tribes, likely ancestors of the Paliyan and Kurumba tribes who still inhabit the region.
- Jesuit missionaries documented these structures in the early 20th century. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 1928 Memoirs recorded their destruction even then.
- Excavations at nearby sites like Thandikudi have revealed pottery, beads and iron tools, indicating continuous habitation from pre‑Iron Age times.
Features and significance
- Dolmens were built without mortar; their heavy capstones prevent water ingress. Many align with the sunrise or solstice, hinting at astronomical knowledge.
- They are located at elevations of 1,200–1,500 metres, possibly overlooking ancient trade routes.
- The monuments provide insight into burial practices, social organisation and engineering skills of early inhabitants.
Threats
- Stone quarrying, road construction and tourism have destroyed many dolmens. Only a few are protected by the ASI.
- Lack of legal protection and awareness leads to vandalism. Rapid urbanisation and encroachment endanger remaining sites.
Conclusion
Preserving the dolmens of Kodaikanal requires community involvement, legal safeguards and responsible tourism. These ancient structures are invaluable to understanding India’s prehistoric past.