Megalithic Period:
Que. In what ways can the megalithic culture be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India? [UPSC CSE-2014]
Approach:
(1) Explain the megalithic culture.
(2) Explain how Megalithic culture can be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India.
(3) Conclude by supporting the given statement.
Introduction:
The word “megalith” comes from two Greek words, megas meaning great or big and lithos meaning stone. Megaliths include different kinds of monuments that have one thing in common-they are made of large, roughly dressed slabs of stone. The megalithic culture holds significant importance as a foundational phase in the history of peninsular India due to its impact on various aspects of society, economy, and culture. The megalithic culture refers to a period characterized by the construction of large stone monuments (megaliths) for burial and commemorative purposes. This culture emerged around 1500 BCE and continued until around 300 BCE.
Megalithic culture can be considered a foundational phase of the history of peninsular India in the following ways:
(1) Technological Advancements: The construction of megalithic structures required advanced technological knowledge, particularly in quarrying and moving large stones. This indicates the development of specialized skills and techniques that were passed down and contributed to the technological progress of subsequent societies.
(2) Cultural Exchange and Trade: The spread of megalithic practices across different regions of peninsular India suggests networks of communication, cultural exchange, and trade. This laid the groundwork for the interconnectedness of various regions and the exchange of goods and ideas.
(3) Beginning of the sedentary life: Megalithic communities lived on a combination of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry. There is also evidence of craft traditions. These features, along with the megalithic monuments themselves, suggest sedentary living.
(4) Widespread use of iron: Iron objects generally outnumber objects made of other metals. The large volume and variety of iron artefacts include utensils, weapons (arrowheads, spearheads, swords, knives, etc.), carpentry tools (axes, chisels, adzes, etc.), and agricultural implements (sickles, hoes, coulters).
(5) Well-developed traditions of specialized crafts: Different kinds of pottery have been found, including BRW. There is also evidence of bead making. Grave goods include etched carnelian beads and beads of other materials as well. There are copper and bronze artefacts such as utensils, bowls, and bangles; a few silver and gold ornaments also occur.
(6) Development of metallurgy: Different sorts of metallurgical techniques were used in the manufacture of metal artefacts. Some of the copper and bronze objects were evidently cast in moulds, others were hammered into shape. Some communities knew how to alloy metals. There is also evidence of local smelting of iron at Paiyampalli (karnataka).
(7) Beginning of trade: Some megalithic sites were centres of craft production linked to networks of exchange. This is suggested by the location of several large megalithic settlements on the trade routes of the early historical period. Inter-regional trade is also suggested by the distribution of non-local items of precious metals and semi-precious metals.
(8) Rock paintings: Paintings found at the megalithic sites show fighting scenes, cattle raids, hunting scenes, scenes of people dancing in groups, horse raiders, flora, birds, sunmotifs etc.
(9) Community work: The construction of the megaliths must have involved community endeavour. These monuments must have been sites of rituals that formed an important part of the social and cultural lives of people. The practice of making megaliths continues among certain tribal communities of India.
Conclusion:
The megalithic culture’s impact on settlement patterns, technological advancements, social organization, cultural exchange, and religious practices laid the foundational groundwork for the subsequent historical developments in peninsular India. Studying this culture provides valuable insights into the origins of various aspects of Indian society and culture.
