Hirapur dolmen

Hirapur Dolmen
Native name
हिरापूर मांडवगोटा (Marathi)
Hirapur dolmen in September 2021
LocationChandrapur district, Maharashtra.
Coordinates20°37′25″N 79°31′47″E / 20.6236°N 79.5297°E / 20.6236; 79.5297
Hirapur dolmen is located in Maharashtra
Hirapur dolmen
Location of Hirapur Dolmen in Maharashtra

Hirapur dolmens (Marathi: हिरापूर मांडवगोटा), dating back to 2nd-3rd century BC asmaka mahajanapadas or satavahana dynasty era,[1] are 4 dolmens (burial chambers) made of megalithic (large stones) laterite (type of stone) in the general area of Hirapur village on NH-930 in Chimur tehsil of Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.[2][3][4]

This site, first studied in 2012, is very important at it is likely the largest dolmen in India, first ever dolmen in the world with evidence of iron and iron smelting, first ever dolmen in the region found with dual use of worship and burial both since most other are burial alone, and site selection shows detailed planning, there is evidence of royal burial, and its current usage as cremation ground shows thousands of years of continuing practice of last rites at same site by the tribal, all of these make it a unique and very important heritage site. Since 2012, experts have been demanding protection and preservation of this site.[2] It is rated among India's 10 most underrated archaeological discoveries.[5] Yet, presently site is unprotected with no preservation action by the government.

The site is north of the Muktabai hills near Hirapur, currently in use as cremation ground by the villagers of Hirapur and nearby villages.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Megalithic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Megalithic1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Pawar, Kantikumar; Kallellu, Ismail (2012). "Preliminary Report on Further Excavation at Hirapur in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra". Bulletin of the Deccan College. 72–73: 321–329. JSTOR 43610708.
  4. ^ Pawar, Kantikumar; Kallellu, Ismail (2011). "Archeological Investigations at Parasgarh Nagbhir Hills in East Chimur Region in Chandrapur District in Maharashtra". Bulletin of Deccan College. 70–71: 51–70. JSTOR 42931235.
  5. ^ India's 10 most underrated archaeological discoveries. Times of India, 18 June 2021.