Episodic Physiological Skeletal Stress Markers from South India: Evidence from the Burial Ground of Kondagai, Tamil Nadu – Season 1

Mhachani Ovung1* and Veena Mushrif-Tripathy2

Low altitude habitats are often defined by persistent physiological stress resulting from a high illness burden, environmental fluctuation, and possible nutritional deficiencies. Nonetheless, skeletal evidence from ancient populations does not consistently indicate persistent or widespread stress. This paper presents paleopathological evidence from the Kondagai - Season 1, a burial site associated with the Early Historic site of Keeladi, Tamil Nadu, India, to examine the prevalence of skeletal stress markers. A total of 38 individuals' skeletal remains were analysed using macroscopic methods to identify indicators of systemic stress, with a particular focus on porotic hyperostosis and enamel hypoplasia. The results indicated a minimal occurrence of these pathological stress signs. Porotic hyperostosis is observed in 3 individuals, while enamel hyperplasia is noted in 1 individual. The limited occurrence of skeletal stress indicators implies that physiological stress at Kondagai was intermittent rather than persistent, preferentially impacting specific individuals, potentially throughout critical life-history phases like childhood. Rather than showing poor health overall, the Kondagai skeletal remains indicate that most individuals were able to cope with environmental and biological challenges in a tropical setting. While this interpretation is cautious due to sample size and inadequate preservation, this study highlights the need to interpret skeletal evidence within its environmental and social context as well. This speculation contradicts the prevailing belief that the ancient population consistently faced high levels of infectious illness and nutritional stress.