Kodaikanal Dolmens : A 5,000-Year-Old Heritage Under Threat

Context

The dolmens of Kodaikanal, megalithic structures dating back over 5,000 years, are facing rapid decline. According to records, less than 50% of the dolmens documented in the early 20th century are still standing today, raising serious concerns about the loss of archaeological and cultural heritage.

What are Dolmens?

Megalithic box-like stone monuments with a large capstone placed over three vertical stones.
Primarily served as burial chambers, memorials, or ritual sites.
Some traditions suggest they may have been used for temporary habitation.

Origin

Constructed between 1500–2000 BCE (Pre-Iron Age), making them among the oldest structures in the Palani Hills.
Associated with tribal groups like the Paliyans and Kurumbas, who are believed to be descendants or culturally linked to the original dolmen builders.

Historical Documentation

First recorded systematically by Jesuit priests Rev. A. Anglade S.J. and Rev. L.V. Newton S.J. in the early 20th century.
Published in the 1928 Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of India, which already highlighted damage due to road construction.
Excavations at Thandikudi and Pethuparai unearthed black-and-red ware pottery and carnelian beads, showing continuity from Pre-Iron Age to early historic periods.

Features of Dolmens

Simple construction: Stones were used in natural form without cutting/dressing.
Capstone design: Slight slope on the top slab allowed rainwater runoff, preventing flooding.
Strategic locations: Built on rocky ridges, slopes, and large rock expanses for stability.
Communication: Some dolmens placed within torch-signal visibility, suggesting inter-community contact.
Altitude factor: Found mostly at 4,000–5,000 ft above sea level, areas rich in cardamom and pepper, explaining ancient settlement and trade networks.

Significance

Archaeological Importance: Reveal details about Pre-Iron Age society, burial practices, and early trade routes.
Cultural Heritage: Local tribes like the Paliyans maintain ancestral connections, giving the dolmens intangible cultural value.

Conclusion

The dolmens of Kodaikanal are not just stone monuments but a living link to South India’s prehistoric past. Their rapid disappearance reflects the pressures of urbanization, tourism, and neglect. Preserving these structures is crucial for archaeology, culture, and heritage continuity, demanding urgent conservation measures and legal protection.

Source : The Hindu