Kappalayi Gutta Megalithic Township

A Discovery That Rewrites History

In April 2026, a technical team from the Telangana Department of Heritage made a discovery that would reshape our understanding of prehistoric South India. Acting on information provided by residents of Motlagudem village in Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu district, the team — led by Director Prof. K. Arjun Rao, Deputy Director Dr. P. Nagaraju, and OSD A. Raju — identified a vast cluster of megalithic dolmen burials spread across nearly 100 acres in the Kappalayi Gutta region.

The site is locally known as "Rakasi Bandalu" (giant stones) and "Rakasi Guhalu" (giant caves) — names that reflect the awe these massive structures have inspired in local communities for generations.

A Planned Township · Evidence of Urban Organisation

The layout of the burial structures suggests a well-planned settlement, resembling an organised ancient township. The systematic arrangement of structures across the 100-acre site indicates that this was not a random collection of burials but a deliberately planned necropolis — a city of the dead that reflects the social organisation and urban planning capabilities of Iron Age communities.

The Godavari Basin · A Cradle of Prehistoric Civilisation

The discovery of these burial sites in the Godavari river basin confirms the presence of early human settlements in the region and provides valuable historical evidence about their lifestyle, customs, occupations, and social organisation.

Hundreds of such burial sites have been identified across the Eturnagaram Scheduled Area, including villages in Damaravai, Tadvai, and Mangapet mandals, as well as locations such as Mallur Gutta, Motlagudem, Chettupalli, and Gundala.

"This may be one of the largest clusters of dolmen burials in India."

The sheer scale of the Kappalayi Gutta site sets it apart. Spread across nearly 100 acres with structures arranged in a planned layout, the site is believed to be one of the largest concentrations of dolmen burials in India.

The engineering sophistication required to quarry, transport, and erect sandstone slabs weighing up to 20 tons — using only Stone Age tools — speaks to the remarkable skill and craftsmanship of ancient communities.

The site's planned layout, with structures spaced at regular intervals and enclosed within circular boundary walls, suggests a high degree of social organisation and urban planning that was previously not well-documented for this period in the region.

2‑Day "Mulugu Megalithic" Circuit

• Day 1: Start from Hyderabad. Visit Kappalayi Gutta megalithic township. Overnight at Mulugu or Warangal.
• Day 2: Morning visit to Mallur Gutta (Satavahana fort, Swayambhu temple, sacred grove) and Bandlapahad Forest Rock Art Zone. Afternoon explore Warangal Fort and the Thousand Pillar Temple. Return via Hyderabad.

Pro tip: The Kappalayi Gutta site is a recently discovered archaeological treasure spread across a forested landscape. A local guide is essential to locate the dolmen structures scattered across the 100‑acre site. Do not touch or disturb the megalithic structures — they are fragile and irreplaceable. The best time for photography is early morning when the massive sandstone slabs catch the golden light.

Conservation note: The megalithic structures at Kappalayi Gutta are fragile and irreplaceable. Over time, some of these burial structures have deteriorated, while others have been disturbed due to the use of stone slabs by locals for house construction. Stone troughs found within the burials have been removed for use as water containers for livestock.

The discovery of this site highlights the urgent need for documentation and protection. Researchers and heritage enthusiasts have urged the government to initiate stronger protection measures to safeguard these fragile monuments.

Suggested measures: Fencing, signage, controlled access, and systematic documentation of the megalithic structures. Visitors are requested not to touch or disturb the structures, not to remove any stones, and to report any damage to the local archaeological authorities.