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Source: The post is based on the article “Geoglyph: ‘3,000-year-old Iron Age’ geoglyph circle discovered in Telangana” published in “The Hindu” on 10th November 2023
Why in the News?
A 3,000-year-old circular geoglyph was recently discovered in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
What is Geoglyph?
| Specifications | Details |
| Definition | 1. Geoglyph refers to a design that is drawn on the earth. 2. The design is created by elements of the landscape that are long-lasting such as stones, earth, gravel and other things. |
| Types of Geoglyph | Positive Geoglyph: Created by arranging elements on the ground, such as petroforms (outlines made using boulders). |
| Negative Geoglyph: Formed by removing part of the upper surfaces of rock to create a design. | |
| Arbor glyph: A type of geoglyph involving seeding plants in a specific design. Takes years to develop as it depends on plant growth. | |
| Examples of Geoglyph | 1. Nazca Lines in Peru 2. Uffington White Horse in England |
What are the features of Geoglyph discovered in Telangana?
| Specifications | Details |
| Belongs to Period | Iron Age, specifically around 1000 BC |
| Features | 1. Etched on a low-lying granitoid hillock 2. Features a perfect circular shape. 3. A 30-centimeter-wide rim surrounds the circle. 4. Within the circle, two triangles are present |
| Significance | Suggested to have served as a model for megalithic communities in planning their circular burial sites. |
UPSC Syllabus: History/Art and Culture
