About Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs
The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs are an ancient archaeological site in Narayanpet district, Telangana, dating back approximately 3500 to 4000 years. Located near the banks of the Krishna River, the site spans around 80-89 acres and features over 80 standing stones arranged in alignments that correspond with celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes. The site includes megalithic burials, stone circles, and inscribed rocks depicting constellations like Ursa Major, representing one of South Asia's most significant megalithic astronomical observatories.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore a vast open landscape of gently rolling terrain dotted with ancient standing stones and burial structures. The site features approximately 80 menhirs ranging from 3 to 5 meters in height, arranged in various formations including circles and straight lines. Visitors will encounter stone circles representing megalithic burials, cup-marked rocks depicting celestial constellations, and agricultural fields surrounding the archaeological area. The terrain includes a small hillock where some of the most significant astronomical markings are located.
Key highlights
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Over 80 standing stones (menhirs) dating back 3500-4000 years
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Ancient astronomical observatory aligned with solstices and equinoxes
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Cup-marked rock depicting Ursa Major constellation - earliest known in South Asia
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Stone circles and megalithic burial structures
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Sacred site locally worshipped as Niluralla Thimmappa
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Depiction of Leo constellation and Jupiter on flat bedrock
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Added to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2025
History of Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs
Dating back approximately 3500 to 4000 years, the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs represent one of India's most expansive and well-preserved megalithic astronomical observatory sites. The site showcases intricate arrangements of boulder alignments and stone circles that demonstrate advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient builders. The menhirs align with celestial events including summer and winter solstices, equinoxes, and star patterns. Cup marks on rocks depict the Ursa Major and Leo constellations, with one representation being the earliest known astronomical depiction in South Asia. The site also includes megalithic burial structures including cist burials and cairn burials.