The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs site, which is 190 km from Hyderabad, has been shortlisted for a potential heritage tag by UNESCO. It is among six sites selected by the UN agency for its World Heritage Tentative List for 2025.
“The 80-acre site on the banks of the river Krishna comprises menhirs (niluvu rallu or upright stones as referred to in Telugu), which offer insight into the perspective the ancient builders might have had as they carefully aligned the menhirs with celestial bodies, marking the solstices, equinoxes, and star patterns. It is an ancient observatory,” UNESCO said, explaining why it has chosen the site for its tentative list.
A depiction of star formation on one of the several stones at the Menhir site at Mudumal in Telangana
“The site’s natural environment, with its proximity to the river and its integration into agricultural lands, reflects its enduring significance in the region and highlights its connection to both the terrestrial and cosmic realms,” it said.
Dating back approximately 3,500 to 4,000 years, the site is a significant remnant of the megalithic tradition in South Asia. The site is notable for its unique arrangements of menhirs – upright stones – carefully positioned to align with celestial events.
“The site stands as a remarkable testament to ancient human ingenuity and the timeless connection between earth and sky,” it said.
- Also read: Mysterious megalithic-era menhirs of Telangana seek global attention
K P Rao, Honorary Professor with the Department of History of University of Hyderabad, and his team did a phenomenal job in researching and documenting the site’s importance.
Vedakumar Manikonda, Chairman of the Deccan Heritage Academy Trust, and his team took part in a UNESCO event in Delhi a few months ago to showcase the site’s features. “We documented 4,500 acres of the site area and mapped all the boulders and stones,” Vedakumar said.
The State Government has requested permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for initiating excavations at the site so that more details about the site’s importance can be brought to light. A response is awaited from ASI.
Jai Makthal Trust, which is running a campaign to get national and international attention to the site, said the UNESCO selection for the tentative list is a proud moment not only for Telangana but also for India’s rich cultural legacy.
“It’s time to celebrate this incredible achievement; however, we must remain cautious and more focused until we achieve our ultimate goal of securing the UNESCO World Heritage status. The journey ahead is challenging, and it demands greater dedication and collective effort,” Sundeep Kumar Makthala, who leads the campaign, told businessline.
The other sites in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List
Apart from Mudumal Menhirs, UNESCO also shortlisted Kanger Valley National Park, Ashokan Edict, Chausath Yogini Temples, Gupta Temples in North India, and the Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas.
