Iron Age rock-cut tomb discovered in Kerala

A rock-cut tomb dating back to the Indian Megalithic period (Early Iron Age) has been found at Kodiyeri, Kerala, India. The tomb, cut in laterite - a local argillaceous red sandstone - has a dome ceiling and was unearthed accidentally at a private plot of land while soil was being removed, Kannur University Anthropology Department head S. Gregory said. The tomb was discovered at one-metre depth, Dr. Gregory added. A polished 75-centimetre-tall laterite pillar was at the centre of the semi-spherical-shaped dome with two stone benches on either side, he said.

People from the megalithic period were the earliest builders of laterite tombs with dome ceiling, which were used as secondary burials of certain bones of the dead, Dr. Gregory said. Some bone fragments, iron knives and lamp posts were found inside the tomb, he said. The finds unearthed include three-legged red earthen pots and black earthen pots and lids....