Author 1:

V. Munaimmal
Ph.D. Research Scholar
P.G & Research Department of History,
Kalaignar Karunanidhi Govt. Arts College,
Tiruvannamali,Tamil Nadu,India

Email: vasukianandh@gmail.com

Author 2:

Dr.R. Sthanislas
Research Supervisor
Associate Professor & Head
P.G & Research Department of History
Kalaignar Karunanidhi Govt. Arts College,
Tiruvannamali, Tamil Nadu,India

Abstract: This paper synthesises field reports, regional surveys and comparative scholarship to describe the major burial types found across the district dolmens (dolmenoid cists and capstone tombs), cairn and cairn-circle burials, cists and porthole cists, sarcophagi, menhirs and large urn (urn-burial) fields and explores their construction, associated material culture, chronology and cultural meanings. Attention is given to characteristic grave goods (iron implements, black-and-red ware and plainware ceramics, beads, and occasional distinctive metal objects), the role of local stone availability in siting graveyards, and relationships between megalithic cemeteries, contemporary habitations and rock-art panels. Drawing on comparative work from Tamil Nadu, the Deccan and wider peninsular India, I argue that megalithic burials in Krishnagiri encode social differentiation (status and lineage), territorial marking and ancestor veneration, and also reflect technical adaptation (stone types, construction) and evolving ritual expression through the late BronzeEarly Iron Age into the early historic period. The article concludes with a discussion of heritage management, threats (agriculture, quarrying, development) and community-based conservation measures that can protect these fragile but essential records of the region’s prehistoric past.

Key Words: Cairns, Ethnoarchaeology, Heritage,Iron Age, Krishnagiri, Megaliths etc.