In a major archaeological discovery, a team of researchers from the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology at the University of Mysore has found a rare collection of terracotta figurines dating back to 800-700 BCE at a megalithic site in Mudu Konaje, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The figurines were found inside the surface of dolmens, which were disturbed by treasure hunters.
The figurines are unique in many ways. First, they are the oldest terracotta figurines ever found in Karnataka. Second, they are the first terracotta figurines to be found in a megalithic context in the state. Third, the figurines are extremely well-preserved and depict a wide range of subjects, including animals, humans, and deities.
The most common animal figurine is the bovine, which is likely a representation of the cow, a sacred animal in Hinduism. Other animal figurines include a horse and two peacocks. The human figurines include a mother goddess and the hand of a mother goddess. The deity figurine is a representation of a fertility god.
The terracotta figurines are made of locally available clay and are hand-modeled. The figurines are decorated with simple geometric patterns and incised lines. The figurines are also painted with red ochre.
The discovery of the terracotta figurines at Mudu Konaje is significant for several reasons. First, it provides new insights into the cultural and religious practices of the people who lived in Karnataka during the Iron Age. Second, it helps to establish a chronological framework for the megalithic culture in Karnataka. Third, it highlights the importance of preserving and protecting archaeological sites and artifacts.
Significance of the discovery
The discovery of the terracotta figurines at Mudu Konaje is significant for several reasons. First, it provides new insights into the cultural and religious practices of the people who lived in Karnataka during the Iron Age. The figurines depict a variety of subjects, including animals, humans, and deities. This suggests that the people of Karnataka had a complex and sophisticated culture during this period.
Second, the discovery of the terracotta figurines helps to establish a chronological framework for the megalithic culture in Karnataka. The figurines are dated to 800-700 BCE, which is earlier than the dates that have been proposed for other megalithic sites in the state. This suggests that the megalithic culture in Karnataka may have emerged earlier than thought.
Third, the discovery of the terracotta figurines highlights the importance of preserving and protecting archaeological sites and artifacts. The figurines were found at a megalithic site that had been disturbed by treasure hunters. This shows that archaeological sites and artifacts are vulnerable to destruction and theft. It is important to take steps to protect these sites and artifacts so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Implications for the study of the megalithic culture in Karnataka
The discovery of the terracotta figurines at Mudu Konaje has several implications for the study of the megalithic culture in Karnataka. First, the figurines suggest that the megalithic people of Karnataka had a complex and sophisticated culture. The figurines depict a variety of subjects, including animals, humans, and deities, which suggests that the megalithic people had a rich religious and cultural life.
Second, the discovery of the figurines helps to establish a chronological framework for the megalithic culture in Karnataka. The figurines are dated to 800-700 BCE, which is earlier than the dates that have been proposed for other megalithic sites in the state. This suggests that the megalithic culture in Karnataka may have emerged earlier than thought.
Third, the discovery of the figurines raises new questions about the relationship between the megalithic people of Karnataka and other groups in the region. The figurines are similar in style to terracotta figurines found at other megalithic sites in India and South Asia. This suggests that the megalithic people of Karnataka were part of a wider cultural network.
Conclusion
The discovery of the terracotta figurines at Mudu Konaje is a significant archaeological find. The figurines provide new insights into the cultural and religious practices of the people who lived in Karnataka during the Iron Age. The figurines also help to establish a chronological framework for the megalithic culture in Karnataka. The discovery of the figurines also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting archaeological sites and artifacts.
The discovery of the terracotta figurines has raised new questions about the megalithic culture in Karnataka. Future research should focus on understanding the relationship between the megalithic people of Karnataka and other groups in the region. Future research should also focus on understanding the meaning and function of the terracotta figurines
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