After Ramappa Temple, Mudumal Menhirs could be Telangana’s next UNESCO heritage site

Hyderabad: The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana have been included in India’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, marking a significant step toward their global recognition.

If granted full UNESCO status, they will be Telangana’s second such site, after the Ramappa Temple, bringing attention to the region’s rich but lesser-known prehistoric heritage.

Official recognition and statements

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced the inclusion of the Mudumal menhirs, along with five other sites, in the tentative list.

He emphasised that these structures offer crucial insights into early human civilisation, their burial customs and their understanding of astronomy. Scholars and historians have long called for greater protection and study of the site, which is one of the largest collections of standing stones in South Asia.

A Prehistoric Legacy: What Are the Mudumal Menhirs?

Located in Telangana’s Narayanpet district, the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs date back over 3,500 years to the Iron Age.

These massive upright stones—some towering up to 14 feet—were erected by early human communities, likely for ritualistic, astronomical or commemorative purposes. They are part of a broader megalithic tradition found across India, where ancient people constructed stone structures such as dolmens, cairns, and burial circles. However, Mudumal’s arrangement of menhirs is unique, suggesting it may have served as a social or ceremonial center.

The site spreads across 89 acres and contains nearly 80 large menhirs surrounded by thousands of smaller stones, which may have marked burial sites. The presence of cairns and stone circles suggests the site had both ritual and funerary significance.

Connections to Ancient Astronomy

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mudumal menhirs is their possible use in early astronomical studies.

Researchers have noted alignments between some of the stones and celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes. The site also features cup marks and carvings on nearby boulders, including a pattern resembling the Ursa Major constellation.

This suggests that the menhirs may have functioned as a primitive observatory, helping prehistoric societies track seasonal changes and important celestial events.

Cultural and Religious Continuity

Despite being an ancient site, the Mudumal menhirs continue to hold cultural and religious significance for the local community.

Some stones are still worshipped today, particularly one associated with the goddess Yellamma. Locals refer to the site as ‘Niluralla Thimmappa,’ meaning “Thimmappa of the Standing Stones.” Oral traditions suggest that these menhirs represent ancient inhabitants turned to stone by divine forces, further linking the site to spiritual beliefs.

The Path to UNESCO recognition

The inclusion of Mudumal in UNESCO’s Tentative List is the first step in achieving full World Heritage status. The process involves extensive documentation, assessment of the site’s universal value, and the implementation of preservation measures. If recognised, Mudumal will become one of India’s few megalithic sites with UNESCO status, ensuring global recognition and conservation funding.

Why Mudumal Matters?

The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs are more than just an ancient relic; they are a window into the lives of prehistoric societies in the Deccan region. Their alignment with celestial bodies, their unique arrangement, and their ongoing cultural significance make them an invaluable part of India’s heritage.

As efforts to protect and study the site continue, Mudumal may reveal even more about the early civilizations that once called this land home.