What is meant by Muniyara?

Here in local language, these are called Muniyara, Muni in Malayalam meaning a sage and ara meaning a tiny room. So it is believed that ancient sages were buried inside it. Another belief is that sages used to hide or rest inside it.

What is the use of Muniyara?

Archaeological studies have unfolded a lot of information about these ancient stone structures. The dolmens that were built over the burial site of more than one person have chambers. Muniyara Dolmens vary in length and size. Studies say that the larger ones must have been used for the burial of people of high status.

What are the features of Muniyara?

Compared to other dolmens, it is larger and also has a stone pillar in the middle portion. The Muniyara has 12 square feet width and one and a half metre length. It is separated into four portions with the stone pillar. Different types of pots belonging to the Stone Age were also discovered at Bankalam.

What is a dolmen stone?

Dolmen, a type of stone monument found in a variety of places throughout the world. Dolmens are made of two or more upright stones with a single stone lying across them. Dolmens are also known from parts of Africa and Asia.

What was the population of Marayur in 1991?

Ancient dolmens and rock paintings in Marayur date back to the Stone Age. In 1991 Marayur had a population of 9,590. Marayur claims to be a part of a Stone Age civilization that is as old as 10,000 B.C. It is also home to a later period of large-scale dolmen-building.

Which is the closest town to Munnar in Kerala?

Marayur or Marayoor is a town in Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 42 kilometers north of Munnar on SH 17 connecting Munnar with Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu.

Where are the rock paintings in Marayur, India?

There is a rock painting at Manala in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary of Marayur near the Alampetty tribal settlement. Here, a picture of a deer and a man can be seen. In close proximity to this art site, a new rock painting has been newly discovered.

Who are the five villages of Marayur in Tamil Nadu?

People migrated from Tamil Nadu to this area when the Madurai king Thirumalainaicker was defeated by Tippu Sultan, in the eighteenth century CE. The migrants created five villages, being Kanthalloor, Keezhanthur, Karayur, Marayur and Kottakudi. These villages were called the “Anju nadu”, literally meaning “five lands”.

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