Mysterious hill of Hire Benkal of Karnataka: Unresolved history of dwarfs with supernatural powers

Hill of the Dwarfs: Passing through the dusty paths of Karnataka, where the rays of the sun shine the stones like gold, a place is hidden that appears to be lost in the haze of time. Hire Benkal, in the local language, is called “Moror Gudda” i.e. “hill of dwarfs”, a prehistoric miracle of South India. About 1,000 Mangalithic structures at this place, about 3,000 years old, are scattered. These three-sided stones, 8–10 feet high, with huge stones roofs (capstone), are not only archaeological treasures, but also tell a story that swings between science and folk tales.

Stories recorded on stones: The hill of Hire Benakal is one of the largest cemetery (Nekropolis) in South India. These are the ancient tombs, which were built between 1000 BCE to 200 BC to 200 BCE. Each dolmen is a small room, on top of which a heavy capstone is placed like a roof. Some dolmen have round holes, which look like windows, as if they are homes of stones. Local people call them “Moror Mane” i.e. “Home of Dwarf”. Looking at these structures, it seems as if you are walking in a ghostly city, but these are monuments built in memory of the dead.

Their mention in folklore is even more exciting. It is said that they were not created by humans, but by a extinct species of dwarfs called “Morr”. These little creatures were owned by supernatural powers and amazing engineering talent. Seeing some exact round holes made in some dolmen, the locals press the finger under the teeth. For him, such workmanship was not a matter of humans in that era.

There is also a legend that these dwarfs have ended in the rain of fire, but these stones made of them still testify to their presence. In the silence of the night, there are also talk of hearing strange voices around these Dolmen, as if dwarfs are still guarding their works.

Confluence of science and legend: Hire Benkal is not just a place of folk tales, but is an unresolved puzzle for archaeologists. Srikumar Menon, professor of the National Institute of Advanced Sciences, connects the stories of these dwarfs with the cultural memory of ancient Indians. They see them by connecting them to the human species of short stature such as the “Hobit” (Homo Floresiasis) found in Indonesia. Was this Dolmen really made by a species that has disappeared from the pages of history? Or are these samples of advanced engineering of ancient Indians, which time made mysterious?

Disappear from the eyes of the world: Surprisingly, while Britain’s Stonhenge draws millions of tourists every year, these ancient works of Hire Benakal are almost disappeared from the eyes of the world. This hill is buried somewhere in the glow of the grand temples of Hampi located nearby. According to Vlogger Namrata’s “Namrata ‘S Mantra, only 20-30 passengers arrive here in a few months. Those who come are overwhelmed by the peace and mystery of this place. As soon as the sun sets, when these stones bathe in golden lights, it seems as if the time has stopped.

Efforts are on to give Hire Benkal the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeologists and protectionists believe that it is one of the most precious heritage of India. But there is also a concern associated with it. If it opens to tourists, will these delicate structures be able to face uncontrolled crowds? Many Dolmen have already suffered the point of time and nature. Some stones have been broken, while the “excavation” of modern tourists on some has left the marks. A unique invitation Hir Benkal is not just a pile of stones, but a place where history, mystery and nature hug each other.

Walking between these Dolmen, you can feel the stories of the ancient dwarfs that were probably a reality or perhaps the gift of folklore. These structures connect us to our past and leave the question whether we have really understood our history completely? If you are fond of adventure and mystery, then a trip to Hire Benkal may be a unique experience for you. But remember, when you go between these stones, perhaps a “moror” is looking at you, trying to handle this world made.