Author: K P Rao
Publisher: Sundeep Prakashan
Year: 1988
Language: English
Pages: 224
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8185067074
Description
The worldwide phenomenon of erecting huge stone monuments called megaliths is an intriguing aspect, not only for the archaeologists but for the lay men as well. The Indian continent, especially the Deccan, is dotted by numerous megalithic sites.
The present book aims at piecing together the available evidence to provide an insight into the beliefs and practices of the megalithic people, their way of life, the material culture, the chronology and various other aspects connected with megalithic culture.
This pioneering work is also useful as a reference source as it gives information on all the excavated and unexcavated megalithic sites from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Contents
PREFACE
ABBREVIATIONS
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES
1. INTRODUCTION
Megalithism-definition; Myths and Traditions, Types of Megaliths.
2. MEGALITHIC SITES IN ANDHRA PRADESH AND MAHARASHTRA
History of Survey and Study of Megaliths in India; List of Megalithic Sites; Excavated Sites
3. NATURE OF LIVING
Megalithians were Nomads or Settled Peoples; Structures; Food Habits; Economy.
4. POTTERY
Techniques of Production; Decorative Features; Comparison of Pottery from Various Megalithic Sites; Conclusions.
5. Tools and Weapons
ORIGIN AND ANTIQUITY OF IRON; TECHNIQUE OF PRODUCTION; TOOLS-AGRICULTURAL, CARPENTRY AND DOMESTIC; WEAPONS; MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS.
6. ORNAMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS
HUMAN ORNAMENTS; ORNAMENTS FOR ANIMALS; TOILET OBJECTS; MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS-SPINDL-WHORLS, CONCH SHELLS, STONE POUNDERS OR PESTLES.
7. Funerary Customs
TYPES OF BURIALS-SINGLE, DOUBLE, MULTIPLE AND CHILD BURIALS; ASSOCIATED OBJECTS-POTTERY, IRON OBJECTS, ORNAMENTS, ANIMALS; BELIEFS.
8. Chronology, Origin and Migration
RADIOCARBON DATES, STRATIGRAPHICAL DATING; DATING ON OTHER GROUNDS; ORIGIN AND MIGRATION.
9. RESUME
CULTURAL CONTACTS BETWEEN ANDHRA PRADESH AND MAHARASHTRA; MEGALITHIC COMPLEXES
APPENDIX
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX
FIGURES
PLATES