An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s17.40

v1.c9.s17.40

Small granite and 'slate' cromlechs were noticed near the Devidhura temple, 29 km s.-e. of Almora. These remains consist of 'large granitic rock affording level surface of several feet square, respectively about 4 ft, 2½ ft and 1 foot above the ground. Each of these rocks exhibits a group of basons. They are generally about 6 to 8 inches in diameter and perhaps a foot in depth.' Similar remains in the vicinity consist of what have been referred to as 'cromlechs' or 'dolmens', one of which is a cairn of fairly large size, about 15 m square, having a flight of about 20 or more steps leading to a small natural cave within the cairn. However in view of their use as shrines the evidence of these being megaliths is normally discounted (Henwood, 1856, pp. 204-5; Nautiyal, 1969, pp. 77-8).