Mangaluru: Megalithic culture was a dominating culture of South India and Karnataka as well. It was known by its fascinating burials and curious data. Southern West Coast of Karnataka and Kerala practiced a very special type of Megaliths like rock-cut-caves, scooped out in the laterite earth.
A peculiar type of rock-cut-cave has been found at Aturu-Kundaje Government cashewnut plantation near Ramakunja of Kadaba Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District, states Professor Murugeshi T., Associate Professor and Department of History and Archaeology Head, MSRS College, Shirva, in a press release.
Normally, 2.5 or 3 feet circular opening in centre cut into the laterite about a meter deep and the bottom is cut into a hemispherical shape with the various depth and circumference. This type of rock-cut-caves are common in the Southern West Coast of Karnataka. A small variation is found in Kerala, with side openings in the subsurface but central opening was common in both the cases.
In the case which is presently under study, there is no central opening but a huge engraving of a circle about of 7 feet diameter found above the laterite surface and exactly below this in same dimension a hemispherical cave with a side opening about a 2 feet in height has been found. This side entrance is designed like a doorframe and It’s oriented to North-East direction.
Usually, Megalithic burials marked by stone circles, menhirs and stone carnes but is the first time in India a sepulchral marked by a circle or Zero. It brings up a interesting questions like did Megalithians knew Zero or did they invent it first Perhaps, it was the first rock engraving of Megalithic period found from Dakshina Kannada State Professor Murugeshi T. No grave goods found inside the cave but in the centre an altar like pit is noticed and it is also a curious evidence. A very small pieces of red pottery is found in small quantity in the cave. Most probably the cave had been robbed by the locals. I extend my gratitude to Nischith and his family for their local hospitality and grateful to Yusuf Haider of National Gold and Diamonds, Mangalore for providing vehicle. My appreciation to my students, Shreyas, Goutham, Shariq, Karthik, Dishanth and Vishal Rai for their 2 days of hardwork in exposing the cave.
