In a remarkable discovery that connects ancient Indian engineering with celestial movements, the megalithic site at Nilaskal in Karnataka has been identified as a potential prehistoric solar observatory. The key evidence lies in the precise alignment of its towering stone menhirs with the setting sun during the Winter Solstice, an event recently documented by researchers.
A Dawn Expedition Reveals Ancient Precision
The investigation involved a pre-dawn trek to the highest point of the site, where the line of menhirs concludes. Researchers, including Srikumar M Menon, positioned themselves near a prominent, sharply-pointed stone slab to witness the break of day. This careful observation was part of a broader study to decode the site's purpose. The findings, reported on 07 January 2026, suggest the builders possessed sophisticated knowledge of the solar cycle.
Architectural Marvels and Tragic Losses
The Nilaskal site is composed of several massive menhirs, with the largest estimated to weigh a staggering 16 tonnes. Intriguingly, the taller stones are positioned downhill. This clever placement creates an optical illusion, making their tops appear nearly level when viewed from a specific vantage point, indicating deliberate design.
Photographic evidence confirms that two specific menhirs at Nilaskal perfectly frame the disc of the setting sun on the day of the Winter Solstice. This alignment is not random but a clear marker of an important astronomical event, likely used by the megalithic community to mark the changing seasons.
However, the study also highlights the vulnerability of India's archaeological heritage. The research draws a painful comparison to the stone alignment at Hanamsagar, which has been unfortunately destroyed. Furthermore, part of the Nilaskal site itself is now occupied by the Karimane Government School, with one of the ancient menhirs standing within the school's premises.
Connecting Karnataka's Megalithic Landscape
The analysis of Nilaskal places it within a wider context of megalithic activity in the region. The study references other sites like Byse, indicating a cultural landscape rich in stone constructions. The primary function of these sites likely blended astronomy with ritual, serving as calendars and sacred spaces for their creators.
The implications of this discovery are significant. It pushes back the timeline of systematic astronomical observation in the region and underscores the engineering prowess of prehistoric communities in Karnataka. It also serves as an urgent call for the protection and deeper study of such sites before they are lost to time or development, much like the fate suffered by Hanamsagar.
