Telangana to excavate ancient menhirs aligned with solar events

Telangana's archaeology department has issued a tender for excavation work at the Mudumal megalithic site, marking a significant step toward preserving and studying one of South India's most intriguing ancient monuments. The site, located in the state, features menhirs—large standing stones—that according to UNESCO's Tentative List documentation, appear to align with the sun's position during the summer and winter solstices.

The astronomical alignment of the stones has led researchers to theorize that Mudumal may have functioned as an ancient observatory, suggesting sophisticated knowledge of celestial movements among the region's prehistoric inhabitants. The precision of these alignments indicates that the megalithic builders possessed considerable understanding of solar cycles and astronomical phenomena.

The excavation project aims to unearth additional artifacts and gather scientific evidence that could shed light on the site's age, construction methods, and the civilization responsible for erecting these monuments. Archaeological investigations at such sites have previously yielded pottery, tools, and other materials that help establish timelines and cultural patterns of megalithic-era societies across the subcontinent.

The Mudumal site's inclusion on UNESCO's Tentative List represents recognition of its potential international significance. Successful excavation and documentation could strengthen Telangana's case for World Heritage designation, placing the state among India's most archaeologically important regions and attracting scholarly attention to megalithic cultures of ancient South Asia.