Although several reasons could be attributed to the significance of megalithic sites, their most important contribution lies in evidencing Tamil Nadu’s social stratification that existed during the Iron Age. ASI excavations at Sirudhavoor in Kancheepuram district in 2008 provided interesting glimpses to the question of social stratification. Here, more than 300 burial spots were traced in the 35-acre site. Two burial sites revealed urns and six had bathtub shaped lengthy terracotta (sarcophagus) coffins. In these urns and terracotta coffins, besides skeletal remains, some iron implements and beads were found. The answer to social stratification could be found in their distinctive style, shape and location. It is most likely that the status of the dead person decided whether the remains would be placed on a decorative sarcophagus or an urn. While some had heaps of loose stones placed above the urns and sarcophaguses, a few had finely chiselled stone slabs arranged in square shape. Others had huge boulders and a few had medium-sized stone blocks. Beneath them, the remains of the dead were buried, usually with iron swords.
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