Megalithic burial chamber discovered at Kanhangad in Kerala, shedding light on 2,000-year-old human settlement

A megalithic burial chamber found at Nittadukkam in Kanhangad that offers evidence of human habitation in the region about 2,000 years ago. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A laterite burial chamber, believed to be around 2000 years old, in the Megalithic period, was discovered at Nittadukkam in Kanhangad village of Kasaragod, Kerala, providing evidence that the area was inhabited during ancient times.

A megalithic burial chamber found at Nittadukkam in Kanhangad that offers evidence of human habitation in the region about 2,000 years ago. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The burial chamber was found in the property of N. Sajith Kumar, an IT employee based at Chithira in Nittadukkam. The structure is believed to have been built as part of burial practices during the Megalithic period.

The site was confirmed as an ancient site after an inspection by Nandakumar Koroth, History Researcher and Head of the Department of History at Nehru Arts and Science College, Kanhangad. Dr. Koroth identified the structure as a laterite burial chamber or rock-cut meglitic burial.

Kerala State Archeology Department officials also confirmed that it could be a megalithic chamber.

Archaeological significance

The discovery adds to Kanhangada’s archaeological significance, which already includes the Hosdurg fort built in 1731, remains associated with 17th and 18th century military expeditions, traditional nalukettu houses and places of worship. The burial chamber suggests that the area was a human settlement nearly two millennia ago.

The chamber was carved into the laterite rock and has a circular interior. Its entrance is currently sealed with stones. The part that would normally have steps leading to the chamber is covered with earth. In the middle of the upper part there is a circular opening with a diameter of about 50 cm.

The original stone slab used to cover the opening is on the ground. According to the rightful owners, a large stone was placed over the opening about 75 years ago in place of the slab.

The chamber is currently filled with earth, so it is impossible to determine whether pottery or other burial objects are inside.

Megalithic burial chambers were generally built for funerary purposes, and ashes, bones, and other objects, along with pottery and iron weapons, were usually placed inside as part of funerary rituals. According to historical reports, such monuments were built before the 3rd century AD.

Locally these structures are known by names like Muniyara, Pandava Guha, Paranki Guha, Muthalpetti, Nidhikuzhi and Kaippathayam.

Mr Koroth said the monument at Nittadukkam survived largely because of the local beliefs surrounding it and is now considered one of the earliest surviving markers of Kanhangad’s human past.

Kasaragod district has yielded several types of megalithic monuments, including rock burial chambers, dolmens, umbrella stones, capstones, urn burials, stone circles and rock paintings, highlighting the rich prehistoric and early historic archaeological heritage of the region.

Published – 8 Sep 2026 07:15 IST