The astronomical significance of megalithic stone alignments at Vibhuthihalli in Northern Karnataka

Abstract

A megalithic site at Vihuthihalli in Karnataka, India, contains alignments of stones that are arranged in a square pattern with rows and columns showing a diagonal arrangement. Such structures are non-sepulchral, and although their purpose is not clear it has been suggested that they have astronomical significance. We investigated this possibility and our observations showed that the rows of stones point to the direction of equinoctial sunrise and sunset. It is likely that calendrical events were monitored at this site.