This session explores the diverse megalithic traditions of South, Southeast, and East Asia—from monumental stone burials to living practices—which offer insights into how people lived, honoured their dead, and understood the world around them. It aims to examine how these monuments reflect mortuary practices, social hierarchies, religious beliefs, and cultural exchange. We welcome contributions on themes such as iron technology, funerary landscapes, ancestor worship, and symbolic behaviour. Comparative or regional studies, which are interdisciplinary approaches from archaeology, history, and anthropology, are especially encouraged. The session also invites reflections on the contemporary significance of megaliths—heritage symbols, political tools, or expressions of community identity and memory—in regions such as India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

For inquiries and submissions, please contact:

Chandima Bogahawatta (PhD), Department of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka – dr.chandima@kln.ac.lk

Ranjith Bandara Dissanayake (PhD), Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka – ranpgiar@kln.ac.lk

Vysakh Ambili Santhosh (PhD), PG Department of History & Research Centre, SNC, Chempazhanthy, University of Kerala, India – padmasreevysh@gmail.com

K.V.J. Koshalee, Department of History and Archaeology, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka – kvjkoshalee@hist.ruh.ac.lk