A Comparative Metrical and Spatial Distribution Analysis of Megalithic Burial Sites in Umred Tehsil, Nagpur District, Maharashtra, India

Devyani Kundlik Meghare1* and Shantanu Anil Vaidya2

1Indira Gandhi National Open University, India; 2 Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, India; *devmeghare@gmail.com; shantanu.vaidya@dcpune.ac.in

In Vidarbha, Megalithic burial practice exhibits significant typological diversity, comprising stone circles, cairn burials, and stone circles with cairn filling as the major burial types. Prof. Mohanty's classification further identifies internal typological variation within each of these major categories, providing a detailed framework for regional analysis. This paper comparatively analyses the burial types from the recently discovered Megalithic sites of Dongargaon, Sirsi and Champa in Umred Tehsil, Nagpur District, Maharashtra, India. The research aims to study the metrical and spatial distribution of Megalithic burials within these sites based on their orientation, diameter, elevation, and internal typological variation. Data were collected through systematic field documentation, GPS-based measurements, and spatial analysis of site attributes. Preliminary findings reveal typological variation at each site, with distinct clusters of similar burial types suggesting regional and socio- cultural variation in the burial ground and burial practices. Metric analysis based on diameter and elevation of burials indicate different cultural and ritual practices along with possible distinctions in the socio-economic status of the deceased people. Present study shows both shared cultural traits and localised adaptations by combining metric and spatial analysis, enhancing the knowledge of megalithic practices in the region. The newly discovered sites in Umred tehsil broaden the field for future research on metrical, social, economic, and religious practices of megalithism, and raises new questions regarding megalithic traditions, particularly in the Vidarbha region.