Kundapura: Recent archaeological explorations conducted by the Adima Kala Trust (R.), Udupi, have led to the discovery of two Megalithic menhirs at Hilkod on the Neralekatte–Ajri Road and at Mavinakere in Kenchanur village. The findings were announced by archaeologist Prof. T. Murugeshi, founder trustee of the Adima Kala Trust, through a press release.
The nilskal found at Mavinakere stands 112 cm tall and leans slightly towards the north-west.
The Hilkod nilskal, measuring 135 cm, revealed crushed red and creamy pottery fragments when a small testing trench was dug beneath the stone, indicating later cultural activity.
Nilskals, or free-standing stones ranging from 3 to over 16 feet in height, are found across South India. Typically associated with Megalithic burials, these stones serve as memorial markers and are still revered by local communities under names such as Bhootappa, Bhootarayappa, Rakkasagal, Chowdi, Bobbarya and Pili Chamundi.
Historical significance
According to Prof. Murugeshi, both menhirs belong to the last phase of the Megalithic culture in the Kundapura region. The Nilskal–Heragal group of menhirs of Nagara in Hosanagara taluk, Shimoga district, dating to 800 B.C., are the oldest known from this part of Karnataka.
The newly discovered Mavinakere and Hilkod menhirs are estimated to date from 300 B.C. to the 1st or 2nd century A.D., aligning with the final quarter of the Megalithic timeline in coastal Karnataka. These findings contribute significant insight into burial practices and memorial traditions in the region’s ancient communities.
Prof. Murugeshi extended his gratitude to Murulidhar Hegade (Iduru-Kunjadi), Vishwanath Gulwadi, Nagesh Ganiga, Teja Ganiga, Sudhakar Shetty, C. Nagaraj Shetty, Manjunath Mogavira, and research team members Shreyas Bantakal, Gowtham Belman and Ravindra Kushwa for their support during the exploration.