Home > Indian History > History of India > Stone Circles of Junapani
Stone Circles of Junapani
Stone circles of Junapani, Maharashtra, are the monuments of national importance which illuminates several facts of prehistoric era. Many of the stones have found to bear cup marks which have astronomical significance.

Share this Article:

Stone Circles of Junapani, Nagpur, MaharashtraStone circles of Junapani, situated near Nagpur city of Maharashtra, are designated as the monuments of national significance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These are prehistoric megalithic circles that numbers about 150 in this region. These stone circles were first of all discovered in the year 1879 by J. H. Rivett-Carnac which also revealed a number of iron objects such as pointed tongs, chisels with long blades, horse bits, bracelets, rings, hoes, flat axes having cross-ring fasteners and daggers. Evidences of red and black pottery have also been found which include bowls with black linear paintings. Cairns were prominent in the burial sites. ASI unveiled this site in the year 1962 with 3 stone circles. Further studies of stone circles were funded by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

History of Stone Circles of Junapani
Junapani has been inhabited since 1000 BC till the present time and the megaliths of stone circles dates back to 1000 BC to 300 AD. Numerous other artefacts have also been excavated from this region which belongs to megalithic period. The iron objects found here essentially belong to 1000 BC and the local communities of various clans have helped in their identification. 150 stone circles in Junapani makes this site the second largest, among which 89 have been found in Vidharba region and 51 around Nagpur region. Out of the three circles that were initially excavated, two had unearthed human remains with funerary objects. Along with these an animal skeleton of horse family was also found. Some of the stones in these circles were cup-marked which represent astronomical significance. These cup marked stones were however found at specific locations which indicate definite directions.

Discoveries of Stone Circles of Junapani
The region of stone circles of Junapani has furnished various funerary antiquities. Excavations of this megalithic burial site have revealed painted red pottery among which some bear Megalithic Graffiti Symbols. Apart from this, coarse red and micaceous red wares have also been found. Elaborate studies of about 56 stone circles have been done by Archaeological Survey of India, most of which have been preserved in a good state. Cup marks have been found in about 20 circles among which 7 have marks on their sides. Some of the stone have cup marks with orthogonal sequences or parallel lines which are arranged in straight line. All the cup marks bear a definite angular range which forms 3 clusters. These marks are generally a few centimetres long and are oriented towards the sky making a definite angle with north direction. Investigations have established the probability of their stellar orientation and show changing weathers in different seasons, the time of rising and setting for specific stars and advent of monsoon season. Another interesting artefact found in one of the circles is a copper bell having an iron tongue. Piles of sticky black clay have been found in three circles. Numerous iron implements excavated have credited this site as `iron-using`. Other antiquities are Middle Stone Age tools and stone pestles.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.