Jharkhand Megaliths: UNESCO World Heritage Tag Bid
Why in the news
Jharkhand started a campaign for UNESCO World Heritage recognition of its megalithic landscapes, with the Chief Minister presenting their importance at Davos and in the UK.
Key facts
- Megaliths: large stone structures raised by prehistoric and early historic communities.
- Uses: burials and ancestor remembrance, rituals, boundary marking, tracking sunrise and sunset.
- Living tradition: new stones are still erected, a rare feature.
- Linked with the Munda, Ho, Oraon and Asur communities.
- Some sites align with the solstice or equinox.
Forms and local names
| Form | Meaning | Local term |
|---|---|---|
| Menhir | Standing stone | Birdiri |
| Dolmen | Table-like burial structure | Sasandiri |
| Others | Burial slabs, cairns, stone circles | – |
Where they are found
- Ranchi-Khunti belt (Chokahatu).
- Hazaribagh region.
- Chatra, Ramgarh, Gumla and Simdega.
- Singhbhum, in Ho areas.
Exam angle
- Menhir = standing stone; dolmen = table-like burial structure.
- Tribes linked: Munda, Ho, Oraon, Asur.
- Recognition sought: UNESCO World Heritage tag.