Kundapur: Two ancient standing stones (megalithic menhirs) discovered during archaeological survey
Udupi: Two ancient standing stones dating back to the Iron Age have been discovered in the Kundapur taluk of Udupi district during an archaeological exploration carried out recently by the national cultural organisation Adima Kala Trust, according to its founder-director and archaeological researcher Prof. T. Murugeshi.
One standing stone is located at Hilkodu, in the Daivada Haadi on the left side of the state highway from Nerlekatte to Aajri in Kundapur taluk. Locals refer to it as the Neecha Daiva or Bobbarya stone. The second standing stone was found at Mavinakere Haadi in Kenchanur village of the same taluk, beside the roadside. Prof. Murugeshi stated in a press release that locals have recently tied a cloth around half of this upright stone and begun worshipping it as Rakteshwari.
The Mavinakere standing stone measures 112 cm in height and is slightly inclined towards the northwest. The Hilkodu stone stands around 135 cm tall. A trial excavation beneath the Hilkodu stone revealed pieces of red and ochre-coloured pottery, indicating its antiquity.
People of the Megalithic culture traditionally erected large upright stones either on burial sites or nearby as memorial monuments after funeral rites. Such stones typically range from 3 feet to as much as 16 or 17 feet in height. Across South India, these are known by various names including Rakkasagallu, Nilskal, Nintikallu, Garbhiniyar Kallu, Basurikal, and Anekallu.
Historical significance
The standing stones at Mavinakere and Hilkodu belong to the later phase of the Megalithic period. The pottery fragments found beneath the Hilkodu stone support this assessment. The standing stones at Nilskal and the Heragal group in Hosanagar taluk of Shivamogga district are believed to date back to around 800 BCE.
The newly discovered stones in Kundapur are estimated to belong to a period between 300 BCE and the 1st or 2nd century CE. Prof. Murugeshi noted that remnants from the Megalithic age have greatly influenced the cultural life of Tulu Nadu and stressed that preserving such heritage structures is a collective responsibility.
He expressed gratitude to those who assisted in the research, including Vishwanath Gulwadi, Sudhakar Shetty, Agriculture Officer C. Nagaraj Shetty, Manju Poojary of Hilkodu, and Adima Kala Research Team members Murulidhar Hegde (Iduru–Kunjadi), Shreyas Bantakal, and Gautham Belman.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
