Ancient terracotta figurines found during archaeological explorations at megalithic dolmen site near Moodbidri

Last Updated14/09/2023

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.

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.

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 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.