The wheel-like stone that was was discovered during an archaeological investigation conducted by the Keralam Department of Archaeology at Peralam in Kannur.
| Photo Credit: special arrangement
A rare wheel-like stone featuring a central post hole has been unearthed during an archaeological investigation at Kuzhummal-Peralam in Karivellur, Kannur, Kerala, adding a potentially significant find to a cluster of Megalithic burial monuments in the area.
The stone was found on Tuesday on the residential plot of Perikamana Narayanan Namboothiri at Peralam, where seven Megalithic umbrella stones, or kudakkals, have been documented by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. A hat stone, another type of monument associated with Megalithic culture, was also discovered during the survey.
The wheel-like stone that was was discovered during an archaeological investigation conducted by the Keralam Department of Archaeology at Peralam in Kannur.
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement
K. Krishnaraj, archaeologist and officer in charge of the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum under the Kerala State Department of Archaeology, said the wheel-like stone was an unusual discovery in association with umbrella stones.
“The wheel-like stone with a post hole is not commonly encountered in association with umbrella stones. However, its precise identification and archaeological significance cannot be conclusively established at present because the original spatial context and position of the object are unclear due to the disturbed nature of the site,” Mr. Krishnaraj said.
He said further investigation, detailed documentation, and contextual analysis would be necessary to determine the function and significance of the stone and whether it was directly associated with the Megalithic burial assemblage.
The Department of Archaeology is preparing to undertake a scientific investigation and restoration of the seven umbrella stones at Kuzhummal-Peralam, with the work expected to begin soon.
A kudakkal consists of four upright stone slabs, or orthostats, supporting a domical capstone. These distinctive burial monuments are associated with the Megalithic period and are found across parts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
“The prime objective is to restore the umbrella stones, most of which have fallen, by carefully repositioning and conserving them,” Mr. Krishnaraj said.
“Preserving the monuments, which offer a window into the ancient history of Karivellur, a region with a significant tradition of peasant struggles, would enable history enthusiasts and students to gain a closer understanding of the past,” he said.
Published – September 09, 2026 10:37 am IST
