Archaeoastronomy is defined as the branch of archaeology that deals with the “apparent use by prehistoric civilizations of astronomical techniques to establish the seasons or the cycle of the year, especially as evidenced in the construction of megaliths and other ritual structures” (Source). As such, studying how ancient cultures studied and interacted with space and celestial objects can help us understand more about their ideologies, worldviews, and religious beliefs. In India, an important archaeoastronomical discovery was made in 2016. A team of Indian archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the only megalithic site in the country (Source) in Mudumal village. The structure, which consists of approximately 80 menhirs (12-14 feet tall) and 2,000 alignment stones, is believed to have been constructed around 5,000 B.C. In total, the structure spans 80 acres. Researchers believe that that this site is the oldest observatory in South Asia, and found a cup-mark depiction of Ursa Major on one of the menhirs. Interestingly enough, the depiction of Ursa Major included not only the major stars in the constellation, but other peripheral stars. Astronomy has played an important role in many Indian cultures for thousands of years, and temples throughout the country are designed so that the Sun strikes a particular part of the temple at a particular time. That said, as this Mudumal structure is considered to be the oldest observatory in South Asia, this discovery is incredibly significant.
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