An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s17.13

v1.c9.s17.13

(2) Slabbed cist (or cist): It is a general term for cists of different types made of stone slabs—granitic or lateritic. They are usually encircled by one or more stone circles and covered with cairn stones, completely or partially. They usually measure 2 m in length and the same in height. In a number of examples the e. upright carries a port-hole usually of a size ranging from 10 to 50 cm in diameter through which a man could insert his hand, maybe to lower the bones and offerings. It is called a 'port-holed cist'. In most of the underground port-holed cists the portals are found covered by an additional external slab. Not only that, the portals are approached from the outside by a lined passage, also sealed from outside. At BRAHMAGIRI the orthostats are found arranged in a oversailing fashion forming the pattern of a svastika. The cists are surrounded by one or more drystone wallings of several courses.