What unique feature was found at the Pedda Anupu megalithic site?

The site features rare dolmens with deliberately sloping capstones, a departure from the usual horizontal ones.

Where is the newly discovered megalithic burial site located?

The site is located at Pedda Anupu Chenchu Colony in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, near Nagarjunakonda.

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Unique Megalithic Burials Found Near Nagarjunakonda

Q: What time periods does the archaeological evidence at Pedda Anupu suggest human activity covered?

The evidence suggests continuous or overlapping human activity from the megalithic period to the Ikshvaku-era Buddhist phase, roughly spanning 1200 BCE to 300 CE.

31 Jan

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Summary

Rare dolmens with unique sloping capstones discovered.
Site near Nagarjunakonda shows continuous human activity.
Discovery sheds light on ancient funerary practices.

Unique Megalithic Burials Found Near Nagarjunakonda

A significant archaeological find has been made in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, where a cluster of megalithic burials with rare dolmens exhibiting deliberately sloping capstones was identified. This unique feature distinguishes it from conventional horizontal capstones commonly found in the Deccan region. The site, located near the Chenchu tribal hamlet of Pedda Anupu and the historic Nagarjunakonda complex, was surveyed on November 30, 2025.

Researchers documented an estimated 60 to 70 megalithic burials, including dolmens, cists with cairn packing, and an anthropomorphic stone. The geological context of the site, situated on ancient quartzite bedrock, likely influenced the construction techniques of the megalithic communities. Traces of a disturbed Buddhist site were also noted adjacent to the megalithic remains, indicating continuous or overlapping human activity from the megalithic period to the Ikshvaku-era Buddhist phase, approximately spanning 1200 BCE to 300 CE.