Kerala's Prehistoric Muniyara Dolmens at Risk Due to Official Neglect
In the scenic region of Marayoor in Idukki district, Kerala, the ancient Muniyara dolmens, dating back to the Neolithic Age, are facing severe threats from neglect and vandalism. These prehistoric above-ground burial chambers, constructed with large stone slabs known as megaliths, are lying unprotected, with only a handful remaining from the original sites around a large tabletop rock.
Official Inaction and Encroachment Issues
Despite their historical significance, neither the state government's archaeology department nor the Archaeological Survey of India has taken active steps to preserve these relics of ancient people who once inhabited the Western Ghats. The forest department, which manages the land, has set up a kiosk to collect entry fees and posted a watcher to guide visitors, but this has not prevented encroachment.
A tall cross has been erected and a temple built on the giant flat rock, with one dolmen destroyed and painted behind the temple due to its proximity to the ancient monument. Other relics lie damaged and overgrown with shrubs, and though entry fees are collected, no efforts are made to clean or maintain the site.
Expert Insights on Destruction and Funding Shortfalls
Writer and historian M G Sasibhooshan highlighted that the dolmens are being destroyed by individuals searching for gold, despite these being Iron Age relics where gold is rarely found. He added that the sites are also at risk from expanding agriculture. "The state department protects the monuments but it doesn't have the necessary funds," he said, pointing to systemic issues.
Sasibhooshan recalled a past incident where the A K Antony government planned a housing scheme and began constructions without realizing the importance of the relics. A case was filed, leading to a halt in construction, but no preservation efforts followed. "Though the dolmens were saved from major interference, there has been no attempt to preserve them," he noted.
Local Monitoring and Increased Significance
A retired archaeology official stated that the department monitors the dolmens, but the land has not been taken over for protection. "There are several dolmens in the area, including inside a school campus. These have been documented and are being protected with the help of the local community," he explained, suggesting some level of informal safeguarding.
The importance of the Muniyara dolmens has grown following the Keeladi excavation, which unearthed remains of ancient habitation, underscoring their value in understanding early human settlements in South India.
With vandalism, encroachment, and lack of funding posing ongoing threats, these Neolithic treasures remain vulnerable, calling for urgent action from archaeological authorities to secure their future.
