Megalithic Dolmens [Muniyara]

A dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of three or more upright stones supporting a large flat horizontal capstone (table). Most date from the early Neolithic period (4000 to 3000 BC). Dolmens were usually covered with earth or smaller stones to form a barrow, though in many cases that covering has weathered away, leaving only the stone “skeleton” of the burial mound intact.
Dolmens also found in Marayoor near Munnar. These dolmens are set in clusters of two to five dolmens obviously for the burial of a family. Apart from overground dolmens, underground burial chambers built with dressed stone slabs have also been discovered in Marayoor. All these dolmens are made from heavy granite slabs, mined using primitive technology. This was a burial ground for several centuries for a noble tribal dynasty known as Adi Cheras, the royal family, which rose as a paramount power in South India in the First Century CE. The Adi Chera tribe traded with the Egyptian and Roman empires of the time. Most of the overground dolmens found in Alinchuvad were made before the Iron Age since no tools were used to dress the granite slabs. On a nearby hill, granite dolmens made, using tools, are also seen. One is underground and the other is overground. The overground dolmen of this type was not used for burial. The length of the dolmens range from 11 ft to 4 ft. There are scores of 4 ft versions of underground type. They had two earthenware pots, one containing the ornaments and weapons of the individual and the other contained the cremation remains. Such underground dolmens are located in various places, like Chelamala,in Ernakulam District, Mattathipara, Muniyara, Panapilavu, etc in the district of Idukki in Kerala State, where Marayoor also is located. It appears that the tribe continued to use this burial practice until the tribe was destroyed in the beginning of third century CE.

Dollu Kunitha

Dollu Kunitha (dance), is a major form of art, occupies the pride of place among folk dances. Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka accompanied by singing. It provides both spectacular variety and complexity of skills in the process of demonstration. Woven around the presiding deity of Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara, chiefly worshipped by the Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, also called Halumathasthas, it presents both entertainment and spiritual edification.

“Dollu Kunita” is a unique folk art  performed during  jatras, social occasions and cultural festivals. It calls for a tremendous physical stamina and concentration by artistes.

The troupe consists of about to a dozen artistes as dancing partners. Against the background we have tala, tappadi, trumpets, gong and flute, raised to a high-pitched tenor. These instruments are perforce used to reinforce the rich vibrations of Dollu. A miniature model of Dollu, easy to carry in hand, and handle it for beating – is often employed while singing a distinct class of songs-Dollu Songs/Drum Songs. Because there is beating of Dollu here by the fingers.

A determined and hardworking women’s troupe from Shimoga district has made a foray into "Dollu Kunita," a folk dance form, which is considered a male-dominated art.

Theyyam

Theyyam  is a popular ritual dance of  Kerala, India, predominant in the  districts of Kannur and Kasargod. As a living cult with several thousand-year-old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all the castes and classes of the Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of Daivam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam.

ATTUR CHURCH, Karkala, Karnataka

Attur is a village famed for the church it houses. It is located on the outskirts of the Karkala city. The main attraction of this peaceful and seclude place is the shrine of St. Lawrence, established in 1759 AD with remarkably rich history.

Scenic greenery amidst religious piety, Attur attracts lot of devotees, irrespective of religion, to St. Lawrence church. The Karkol Fest in this church is a major draw. Devotees believe in miracles by the church, with the church performing lots of social activities aimed at common public.

A hundred feet high tower representing the arts of various religions was built in 1997, to showcase the Church’s secular culture in accepting people of various belief and faiths.

Thousand Pillar Temple, Moodabidri, Karnataka

Savirakambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars Temple) built in AD 1462 Basadi of 1000 pillars, famous for its stone sculpture. Mahadwar, Bhairadevi, Chitradevi, Namaskaara, Teerthankara and Garbhagruha are the 8 Mantapas here. The idol (8ft high) of Chandranatha is established in the garbha gruha. Supaarshwa and Chandraprabha Theerthankara idols are worth visiting. Navanaari kuinjara , a sculptural art piece that appears like an Elephant but nine dancers is the famous art in this Basadi. It is said that no two pillars are identical.

The 2.5 metres tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of this basadi is considered to be very sacred. This three storied construction was supported by the rulers, the Jain Bhattaraka Swamiji, merchants and the common people. The temple is famous for the open pillared hall in front, consisting by a large variety of ornate pillars decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style. A 15-meter tall single stone pillar called manastambha stands in front of the basadi.