Discovery of a Stone Circle (Cairn Circle) at Sree Krishna College Guruvayur: A Link to South India’s Stone Age Heritage


Authors : Dr. Midhun K.S.; Akshay Kumar K.

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4699xzrt

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mwhk6t3c

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24NOV127

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Megalithic monuments are found extensively across Kerala, offering significant insights into the ancient societies that once thrived in the region. These structures—comprising umbrella stones, rock-cut caves, menhirs, dolmens, port-holed cists, and stone circles— represent a sophisticated ritual landscape spanning various districts. The Thrissur district, particularly near Kunnamkulam and Kandanassery, hosts several important prehistoric sites within a 15-kilometer radius, such as burial caves in Kattakambal, Kandanassery, and Kakkad, as well as the Kudakkallu Parambu at Cheramanangad and the Ariyannur Umbrellas. This paper introduces a newly discovered megalithic site at Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, featuring a stone circle or cairn circle—the first of its kind documented at this location. The study explores the site’s geographical setting, structural characteristics, and cultural significance, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of Kerala's megalithic heritage.

Keywords : Megalithic Monuments, Archaeological Heritage, Stone Circle, Cairn Circle, Umbrella Stone, Burial Practices.

References :

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13. Varghese, Rachel A. Megaliths of Kerala: Burial and Memorial Practices of the Iron Age” sahapedia,

Megalithic monuments are found extensively across Kerala, offering significant insights into the ancient societies that once thrived in the region. These structures—comprising umbrella stones, rock-cut caves, menhirs, dolmens, port-holed cists, and stone circles— represent a sophisticated ritual landscape spanning various districts. The Thrissur district, particularly near Kunnamkulam and Kandanassery, hosts several important prehistoric sites within a 15-kilometer radius, such as burial caves in Kattakambal, Kandanassery, and Kakkad, as well as the Kudakkallu Parambu at Cheramanangad and the Ariyannur Umbrellas. This paper introduces a newly discovered megalithic site at Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur, featuring a stone circle or cairn circle—the first of its kind documented at this location. The study explores the site’s geographical setting, structural characteristics, and cultural significance, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of Kerala's megalithic heritage.

Keywords : Megalithic Monuments, Archaeological Heritage, Stone Circle, Cairn Circle, Umbrella Stone, Burial Practices.

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