Daily Current Affairs : 10-November-2023

In the quiet outskirts of Mudichu Thalapalli in Telangana, a remarkable discovery has come to light – a geoglyph believed to be 3,000 years old. Geoglyphs, intriguing designs etched on the ground using natural elements, have been a subject of fascination for archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.

Understanding Geoglyphs

Geoglyphs, spanning over 4 meters, manifest in various forms, either by arranging materials on the ground (positive geoglyphs) or by removing parts of the natural surface (negative geoglyphs). Another variant, the arbour glyph, involves meticulously seeding plants in specific designs, a process that unfolds over years. Additionally, chalk giants, carved into hillsides, reveal the underlying bedrock.

Historical Perspectives

The Telangana geoglyph, nestled on a granitoid hillock, boasts a 5-meter diameter with a meticulously crafted circular shape. A 30-centimeter-wide rim envelops the circle, accompanied by two triangles within. Dating back to the Iron Age (around 1000 BCE), it is postulated to have influenced megalithic communities in planning circular burial sites.

Nazca Lines: A Marvel in Peru

Venturing beyond Telangana, the Nazca Lines in Peru stand as ancient enigmas. Crafted between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these massive geoglyphs stretch over 808 miles, depicting animals, plants, and intricate designs. The removal of the topsoil, combined with the region’s dry and windless climate, has remarkably preserved these lines, visible even from heights of 1,500 feet.

Preserving Ancient Wonders

The preservation of geoglyphs, including the Telangana circle and Nazca Lines, owes much to the environmental conditions. Nazca’s dry and windless climate safeguards the lines, while the Telangana geoglyph’s durable materials endure through centuries, serving as windows into ancient cultures and practices.

Important Points:
  • Telangana Geoglyph:
    • Discovered in Mudichu Thalapalli, Telangana, estimated to be 3,000 years old.
    • Geoglyphs are large designs on the ground, exceeding 4 meters, created using natural elements.
    • Telangana geoglyph is on a granitoid hillock, 5 meters in diameter, with a perfect circular shape.
    • Dated to the Iron Age (around 1000 BCE), it is speculated to have influenced megalithic communities.
  • Types of Geoglyphs:
    • Positive Geoglyph: Materials arranged on the ground, similar to petroforms.
    • Negative Geoglyph: Ground surface is altered, resembling petroglyphs.
    • Arbour Glyph: Involves seeding plants in a specific design, taking years to form.
    • Chalk Giants: Carved into hillsides, exposing bedrock beneath.
  • Nazca Lines in Peru:
    • Massive geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, estimated to be designed between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
    • Stretch over 808 miles, depicting animals, plants, and intricate designs.
    • Preservation attributed to the removal of topsoil and the dry, windless climate of the region.
    • Visible from heights of up to 1,500 feet.
  • Preservation of Geoglyphs:
    • Telangana geoglyph endures through centuries due to durable materials used.
    • Nazca Lines preserved by the dry and windless climate of the Nazca Desert.
    • Environmental conditions play a crucial role in safeguarding these ancient wonders.
  • Historical Significance:
    • Telangana geoglyph suggested to have served as a model for megalithic communities.
    • Nazca Lines represent ancient and mysterious geoglyphs, contributing to the rich tapestry of human history.
    • Geoglyphs act as portals, connecting modern society to ancient civilizations, fostering curiosity and exploration.
Why In News

A geoglyph in the form of a circle, said to be 3,000 years old, has been recently unearthed on the outskirts of Mudichu Thalapalli in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district of Telangana, providing archaeologists with a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

MCQs about Telangana’s Geoglyph

  1. Where was the Nazca Lines located?
    A. Giza, Egypt
    B. Nazca Desert, Peru
    C. Stonehenge, England
    D. Machu Picchu, Peru
    Correct Answer: B. Nazca Desert, Peru
    Explanation: The Nazca Lines are a group of massive geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert, Peru.
  2. What distinguishes positive geoglyphs from negative geoglyphs?
    A. Positive geoglyphs involve seeding plants.
    B. Negative geoglyphs alter the ground surface.
    C. Positive geoglyphs are carved into hillsides.
    D. Negative geoglyphs use chalk as the primary material.
    Correct Answer: B. Negative geoglyphs alter the ground surface.
    Explanation: Positive geoglyphs are formed by arranging materials on the ground, while negative geoglyphs involve altering the natural ground surface.
  3. What contributes to the preservation of the Nazca Lines?
    A. Heavy rainfall
    B. Topsoil removal
    C. Harsh sunlight
    D. Strong winds
    Correct Answer: B. Topsoil removal
    Explanation: The preservation of the Nazca Lines is attributed to the removal of the top layer of soil and the dry, windless climate of the region.

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