Spread on 20 acres, find dates back to 1,000 B.C.-200 A.D.

A tiny village located at Siddipet mandal in Medak district has become the cynosure of all eyes after 30 megalithic burials, believed to be dated between 1,000 B.C. and 200 A.D. were unearthed here. These are spread across 20 acres belonging to Pradeep Rao, a landlord of the village.

The burials have huge boulders arranged around them and at least one of these has a Menhir (a tall, huge standing stone) near it. The officials of the State Archaeology department and the Telangana government believe that the site may open new doors to the past. It could give an insight into the lifestyles of the Megalithic period. Archaeology department officials had found indicators — as early as in November 2013 — to the presence of ancient burials on Mr. Rao’s plot. While they wrote to the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) seeking permission for excavation then, they got the go-ahead only a few days ago.

The officials have already found the biggest capstone on the site. Also found were an iron dagger, black pottery and a bowl, and a small sharp stone that was used to cut skin, meat and other food items. One sickle, some pottery and a hunting tool were found on Thursday, officials said.

Archaeologists have not ascertained whether the burials were in pits, cists or dolmens, typical of that period.

“In my entire service I have never come across such a megalithic site with Menhir. We are expecting something big,” said Bhanumurthy, a retired officer from the department.