Ancient terracotta figurines found during archaeological explorations at megalithic dolmen site near Moodbidri
- Archaeological explorations were conducted in the megalithic dolmen site at Mudu Konaje, near Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada.
- It is the biggest megalithic dolmen site which consists of nine dolmens on the slope of a stone hill.
- Recently, unique terracotta figurines in different states of preservation, with bone and iron pieces have been found.
Key Findings
- The terracotta figurines found at Mudu Konaje in a megalithic context are a rare find of India.
- Mudu Konaje terracotta figurines were datable to 800-700 BC.
- Of the eight figurines found, there are two cow bovines, one mother goddess, two peacocks, a horse, a hand of a mother goddess and an unknown object.
- First Cow Bovine
- One of the two cow bovines is a solid handmade human body with a bull’s head.
- It has a clear snout of a bull and its femininity is well attested by two breasts attached by the applique method.
- A thin line of grove is created from below the right arm till the left side of the neck.
- It has two arms, but the hands are broken and the left arm is turned towards the front.
- Flatten wide belly and a round section below the belly is seen.
- Indication of two legs is clearly found.
- Elongated round bun at the back of the head as headgear is seen.
- Second Cow Bovine
- The second cow bovine is another solid handmade figurine.
- It has a bovine snout and an archtype head gear.
- It has applique ornamentation round the neck and below the belly.
- At the bottom there are no legs but a prop to stand the image.
- The Peacocks
- One of the two peacocks is a solid peacock.
- It is dipped into red ochre and its feathers are down towards the earth.
- Another peacock has the elongated head created separately, which can be insertable into a shallow body.
- The body is missing and the feathers are designed upwards.
- The torso of a mother goddess has no head, hands and legs.
Significance of Findings
- The cow bovines found in the dolmens helps to determine the chronology of the dolmens.
- Terracottas found in the megalithic burial provides a solid ground for the study of the Bhoota cult or Daiva Aradhane of coastal Karnataka.
- Cow bovines had its parallels in Malampuzha megalithic terracotta figurines of Kerala and Egypt.
Megalithic Dolmen Site
- Megalithic culture is known for its different types of burials and use of iron in India and Dolmen is one among them.
- Under a dolmen, huge stone slabs known as orthostats are erected in clockwise order, which creates a square room.
- This square chamber is closed by another huge stone slab as a capstone.
- Generally, on the Eastern slab, a round or U-shaped entrance known as port hole is created.
- It is known by different names in South India like Kalmane, Pandavara Mane, Moriyara Mane, Moriyara Betta etc. which reveals its popularity among the common people.
Prelims Takeaway
- Megalithic Dolmen Site
- Terracotta
- Location Based Questions