Keralam Archaeology department to restore seven megalithic umbrella stones in Kannur

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The surviving umbrella stone at a private property at Chembottikkunnu in Karivellur, among the megalithic monuments to be restored by the Archeology department | Photo Credit: arranged

The Kerala State Department of Archaeology will undertake a scientific investigation and restoration of seven megalithic umbrella stones at Kozhummal-Peralam in the Karivellur area, with the work expected to begin immediately after Onam. A kudakkal or umbrella stone consists of four upright side slabs or orthostats, supporting a domical capstone. Such distinctive burial monuments are associated with the Megalithic period and are found scattered across Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod district.

The prime objective is to restore the umbrella stones, most of which have fallen, by carefully repositioning and conserving them, said K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer-in-charge at the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum under the Kerala State Archaeology department. “Preserving the monument, which offers a window into the ancient history of Karivellur, a region with a significant tradition of peasant struggles, would enable history enthusiasts and students to gain a closer understanding of the past,” he said.

The department will also conduct a scientific investigation to examine whether any burial artefacts, particularly pottery, are present beneath the monuments. However, there are no plans for extensive excavation at the site, he told The Hindu . “Seven umbrella stones have been documented at the site. Only one remains standing in its original position, while the others have fallen. Our immediate priority is restoration, along with a scientific investigation,” Mr. Krishnaraj said.

The surviving umbrella stone at a private property at Chembottikkunnu in Karivellur, among the megalithic monuments to be restored by the Archeology department | Photo Credit: arranged

He said the umbrella stones were burial monuments associated with the Megalithic period and Megalitic culture. The department would document the wider megalithic remains in the Kozhummal-Perelam area during the visit. The surviving umbrella stones are located on the ancestral property of Perikamana Narayanna Namboothiri at Chembottikkunnu in Karivellur. Mr. Namboothiri, a temple priest, and his family have taken steps to protect the monuments on their property.

He said he had refused offers to sell the property despite many offering high prices, saying he wanted to ensure that the burial monuments of his ancestors were preserved.

Historian and former teacher Mualeedharan Karivellur said the remains were comparable in historical importance to the pyramids of Egypt and were among the historical remnants depicted by William Logan in the Malabar Manual. “It is painful to see these monuments lying neglected because there is nobody to protect them.