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Gudi with Hobbies and Personal Likes
A megalith is a large stone used to construct prehistoric monuments or structures. The word "megalith" comes from the Ancient Greek words mega (great) and lithos (stone).
Megaliths were used by ancient communities across Europe, Asia, and Central and South Africa from the Late Neolithic period through the Bronze Age. They served various purposes, including as burial sites and for rituals and commemoration.
In Chhattisgarh, the tribes of Maria, Muria, and Gond have unique customs, traditions, and livelihoods. One significant practice among these tribes is the creation of Gudi (Memory/Dead Pillars), which is integral to their culture.
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These pillars, which honor the deceased, are similar to the ancient megalithic traditions seen across the world, including the famous pyramids of Egypt, but with a distinct cultural twist in Bastar and Dantewada.
The tradition of erecting memory pillars is believed to be over 3,000 years old and originated during the agricultural phase of human evolution.
These memory pillars are not limited to Chhattisgarh but can be found in other Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Assam, and even Kashmir. It is an ancient belief among these tribes that even after death, the soul remains connected to the place.
The pillars are typically set up on the ninth or tenth day after a person’s death and are accompanied by elaborate rituals, including the burial of coins and utensils and a feast for guests.
These pillars, ranging from short to tall, are made from various materials, including wood, stone, and concrete. They can be found by the roadside, in forests, or even in the middle of paddy fields.
The oldest pillars were made of stone and are now considered protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains Act, 1958.
Older pillars were painted with images of animals or daily life, while more recent ones feature personal information such as the deceased's name, hobbies, photographs, and even modern symbols like airplanes and trains.
The artisans who craft these memory pillars are specially hired by the family and often stay with them until the pillar is completed. Traditionally, wooden pillars were used, but due to weather-related decay, families now prefer using stone or concrete.
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The cost of these pillars can vary, with wealthier families commissioning larger and more elaborate versions. However, some families are abandoning the practice due to the high cost.
The memory pillars of Bastar and Dantewada represent a remarkable display of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Dr. T.R. Bhoi, an archaeologist from the University of Jammu, referred to the megalithic culture in his book Ethnography of Megalithic Culture in Chhattisgarh, and Himanshu Shekhar, an archaeologist from Ranchi, Jharkhand, noted that other tribes like the Raj Gonds, Korkus, Kotas, and Bhils also raise similar megaliths.
These memory pillars are modern counterparts to ancient megaliths, evolving over time but continuing to serve as a significant cultural tradition in India.
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