Telangana’s rich historical legacy has received a significant boost with the inclusion of the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage list. Located in Narayanpet district, these standing stones, dating back 3,500 to 4,000 years, are among India’s most well-preserved megalithic sites. If officially inscribed, it would be Telangana’s second UNESCO site, following the Ramappa Temple, which was recognized in 2021.
The Mudumal menhirs stand out as an extraordinary example of an ancient astronomical observatory, featuring meticulously arranged stone circles, boulder alignments, and formations. According to the submitted dossier, the site consists of nearly 80 towering menhirs, ranging from 10 to 14 feet in height, accompanied by around 3,000 alignment stones spread across an 80-acre landscape. These formations are believed to hold both funerary and astronomical significance, marking an advanced understanding of celestial events by prehistoric communities.
Professor K P Rao of the University of Hyderabad, who has been researching the site since 2003, believes the Mudumal menhirs are possibly the largest megalithic burial site in South India. Besides their archaeological importance, the standing stones demonstrate a precise alignment with the sun during equinoxes and solstices, suggesting their use in tracking calendrical events. One particular stone even features cup-marked impressions depicting the Ursa Major constellation, considered the earliest known representation of a star pattern in South Asia.
Locally, these ancient stones are deeply woven into cultural beliefs. Villagers refer to them as ‘Niluralla Thimmappa’ and even worship one as Goddess Yellamma. This blend of history, science, and living traditions makes Mudumal a compelling candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, reinforcing its significance in understanding prehistoric societies.
