Ishita Jain

HR4050

Megalithic traditions among indigenous communities often symbolize memory, death, and cultural continuity. For the Oraon tribe of the Chota Nagpur plateau, megalithic practices are deeply linked to funerary rituals and the collective remembrance of ancestors. However, when examining various texts from this discipline, it is evident that the megalithic history of the Oraon community has not been written critically or adequately. It is essential to emphasize that there is little focus on these communities' death and funeral practices. Most existing research overlooks how material elements, such as megaliths, are closely connected to the Oraon people's rituals, beliefs, and oral traditions. Additionally, a lack of attention is paid to how these practices are shaped by memory, space, and community participation. This gap illustrates the need to document and understand the megalithic traditions of the Oraons not just as archaeological remains but as living cultural expressions that still carry meaning today.