HYDERABAD: History enthusiasts have found two menhirs (standing stones) in agriculture fields in Venkatapuram of Yadadri Bhongir district.
Kotta Telangana Charitra history group convener Sriramoju Haragopal said: “Menhir means a large upright standing stone in French. Most menhirs belong to the Atone Age or Megalithic Age, and they were built on graves of ancestors of prehistoric man. These stones are part of the culture of ancient people.”
One of the pillars found at Venkatapuram is intact. The stone is 4.5 feet wide and 15 feet high.
“The second menhir was partially broken and fell to the ground. Megalithic burials stones were removed by farmers while cultivating land. In fact, Venkatapuram is known as Elugupalli Venkatapuram. This site has archaeological importance. Most of the significant archaeological structures were demolished for housing, farms or real estate ventures,” he added.
The Telangana heritage department has not yet identified the menhirs of the area. “No excavations were carried out. We have asked the heritage department to preserve the menhirs and also carry out more exploration and excavation,” Ahobilam Karunakar, another member of the group, said.
