A Comprehensive Study on Megalithic Monuments of Andhra Pradesh: An Archaeological Perspective

Abstract

The megalithic monuments of Andhra Pradesh represent a significant phase in the prehistoric period of South India, offering profound insights into the burial practices and ritualistic traditions of early societies. This paper delves into the archaeological aspects of these monuments, examining their typology, distribution, cultural significance, and the socio-religious context of the communities that constructed them. Through an extensive review of archaeological findings, including the analysis of burial types, grave goods, skeletal remains, and construction techniques, the study reconstructs the complexities of megalithic traditions in Andhra Pradesh. The research highlights regional variations, correlates the megalithic culture with contemporaneous cultures in neighboring regions, and underscores the importance of these monuments in understanding the prehistoric heritage of India.