Evidence of clan-based societies in Megalithic period

The Hindu ^ | Saturday, February 12, 2011 | Giji K. Raman

[SunkenCiv]

Earthen burials were recently found in Amaravathy and Cheruthoni. This is in addition to such findings at Santhanpara, Chempakapara, Udumpanchola, Marayur, Adimaly, Anakkara, Thopramkudy, Murikkattukudy, Kambilikandam, Parathodu and Rajakkad, he said.

The findings are evidence to the existence of a clan-based society in the Megalithic period in the High Ranges of Idukki district. Researchers have found evidence of settlers near the rock mountains at Anappara in Anakkara village, he said. Heavy man-made granite structures ('veerakkallu') were found at Anappara, Adayalakkallu and many other areas. Veerakkallu is a marked burial place of warriors in the pre-historic era. These urns and granite structures are the remains of one of the earliest known inhabitants and are scattered at various places, which are now facing increasing threat of destruction, he said...

In spite of individual efforts, such findings are often destroyed owing to lack of awareness among the people. Historian Rajan Gurukkal said the burial urns were unique remains of a clan-based society and were the second burial place (where the mortal remains of a body were buried) of a chieftain or a clan leader. The furnaces near such burial sites are indicators of primitive moulding of iron metals that were excavated from inside the urns along with small earthen pots...

Carbon-dating shows that the burial urns represent a period from 1050 B.C. to 3 A.D. He said in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, such historical objects are protected scientifically and excavations by experts provide insight into such findings.

[SunkenCiv]

The remains of an earthen burial urn (nannangady) unearthed at Anappara in Anakkara village of Idukki district. The bright colours of black and red are unique -- the patterns having similarity only with such findings in Indonesia.

[freedumb2003]

In before the GGG ping!

[SunkenCiv]

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[SunkenCiv]

Dammit.

[Hugin]

Evidence of clan-based societies in Megalithic period

Isn't that kind of a given? The clan is the oldest and most enduring of all soicial models.

[NeverForgetBataan]

Wow. I never knew the clan went that far back.

[bunkerhill7]

Is this in West Virginia?

[SunkenCiv]

:’)