ARCHAEOLOGICAL
EXCAVATION AT NARMETA
THE
MEGALITHIC BURIAL SITE AT NARMETA
The
Narmeta Megalithic Site, located in the Siddipet district of Telangana,
represents a continuous human occupation from the Neolithic period through the
early historic and medieval eras. Archaeological field seasons (2016–2017)
focused on a complex of over 30 burials, revealing extraordinary architectural
features and rare artifacts that provide a new perspective on the Iron Age in
South India.
Monumental Discoveries & Architecture
The
excavation of two primary burials (Meg-I and Meg-II) yielded world-class
archaeological finds:
- South India’s Largest Anthropomorphic
Capstone: In Meg-I (Double Circle Menhir),
archaeologists unearthed a massive human-shaped capstone measuring 6.70
x 4.00 meters. This is likely the largest of its kind ever recorded in
South India, reflecting a sophisticated level of early sculpting and
community organization.
- Unique Burial Types:
Meg-I features a rare Double Circle Menhir (a central upright stone
surrounded by two concentric rings of boulders). Meg-II is a classic stone
circle with a central pit covered by oval capstones and filled with
specialized soils like black cotton and lime mortar.
- Strategic Location:
The burials are constructed from local granite, quartz, and chert,
situated near the "Narmeta Vagu" rivulet, following the
tradition of placing burial complexes near water sources.
Rare Antiquities & Cultural Material
The
artifacts recovered from Narmeta are distinguished by several
"first-time" discoveries in the region:
- Perforated Fire Stands:
For the first time in the history of excavations in Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh, red ware fire stands with circular perforations were
discovered. These were likely used for specific funeral rituals or
spiritual ceremonies.
- Bone Ornaments:
While beads of semi-precious stones are common elsewhere, Narmeta yielded
unique diamond-shaped bone ornaments. These systematically cut
pieces were perforated to be worn as garlands, marking a rare use of
animal bone for personal adornment in this period.
- Iron Age Technology:
A significant cache of iron implements was recovered at depths of nearly 2
meters, including highly sharpened knives, hooks, and scrapers.
These tools confirm the site as a mature Iron Age culture where iron was
used for both hunting and domestic labor.
- Ceramic Industry:
The site produced a variety of fast-wheel and slow-wheel pottery,
including Black-and-Red ware deep bowls with graffiti marks
(potter’s marks), three-legged miniature bowls, and large platters.
Scientific Analysis & Conclusion
- Chronology:
Based on the associated pottery and iron implements, the site is
tentatively dated from 1st Century BC to 2nd Century AD. However,
comparisons with nearby Pullurubanda (dated to 6th Century BC via DNA)
suggest the region has much deeper prehistoric roots.
- DNA & Demography:
Petrous bone samples have been sent to the CCMB for DNA analysis to
determine the racial affinities and origins of these inhabitants. It is
hypothesized that they share a common ancestry with the megalithic groups
of the wider Godavari Valley.
- Cross-Cultural Links:
The presence of specific rope designs and "snake-hood" knots on
pottery suggests cultural linkages with sites as far as the Vidarbha
region in Maharashtra.
Significance:
The Narmeta excavation is a milestone for Telangana’s heritage, revealing a
society that practiced complex funerary rites, utilized advanced iron
technology, and possessed a unique artistic tradition in monumental stone
sculpting.