Archeological discovery of about 2,000 megalithic graves near Hogenakkal on the banks of Cauvery in Dharmapuri has shed light on a civilization in the area 3,000 years ago.
More than 2,000 megalithic graves and dolmens, most probably 3,000 years old, have been found within 10 kilometre radius between Raasimanal and Billigundlu near Hogenakkal on the banks of Cauvery in Dharmapuri.
A team headed by C Chandrasekar, Professor, and Department of history in the government arts college of Dharmapuri found the graves.
Chandrasekar said, “Even in Pangunatham of Dharmapuri, the archeologists witnessed just three hundred graves but we have found more than two thousand graves. Perhaps, three thousand years ago, a huge human settlement flourished in the area. Most of the civilizations in the world have developed near the river banks. Being a hunting society, the people could get plenty of food in the river banks”
“We found broken clay pots, red wares, and black wares near the graves. The archeology department should excavate here. The place should be sealed as most of the graves were destroyed by people in search of treasure,” he said.
One of the archeologists seeking anonymity said, “In our experience, this is the first time so many graves have been found in a single place. If a proper excavation is carried, more hidden things about the history of Tamils can be revealed”
“Like Raasimanal and Pangunatham, Nagarkoodal, Perumpalai and Kamalanatham also hold historical significance. The district administration should take steps to shed light on the hidden history,” says a historian.