Megalithic monuments, scattered in different parts of South India, number a few thousands in existence. The Megalithic monuments of antiquity are always related with some myths and Traditions. Myths and traditions vary from place to place and region to region. But most of the traditions and legends are similar in both character and content, and usually, they convey similar meaning. Pandavas, the mythological heroes of Indian lore are often given credit for the construction of megalithic monuments, particularly the dolmens and dolmenoid-cists. Such monuments are known as “Pandavula gullu”, “Pandavula penta”, and “Pandugutta chenulu”, etc. In Telugu “banda” means ‘stone.’ “Pandavula banda” and “Pandavula gudi” or “gullu” are the two names which are found connected with many megalithic sites in Chittoor District. Particularly in the Rayalaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh there is a legend among the local people that the Pandavas constructed the monuments during the period of their exile.
In some places, the megaliths are associated with mythology, For example in some of the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the megalihic monments are referred as “Pandavara mane” or ‘’Pandu Pare” meaning ‘House of the Pandus’ or ‘stone of the Pandus.’’ In some other places in Telangana state, the same is refered as ‘Rakshasa gullus’ At Kaperlaguru in the Warangal District, the area noticed with megalithic monuments is known as “Rakshasa gudiam” meaning ‘village of the domons. Sewell noticed the Telugu names ‘Rakshasa gullu’ or ‘goli - the Rakshasa’ and derives the name of Goli villages.
Keywords: Anthropomorphic Statues, Cist burials, Megalithic, Menhirs Myths and Traditions, Neolithic
Narayana, J. 2022. Megalithic Myths and Traditions in Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh. South Asian History, Culture and Archaeology, 2: 1, pp. 69-79.