Bargarh: Antiquities aged about 2,000 years have been found during exploration by History department students of the GM University at Asuragarh here in Barpali block. The Asurgarh era spanned over three cultural phases from the ninth century BC to the second-third century AD.
The excavators have found coins, ornaments, remanents of earthen bowls, and other artifacts which were used at least 2000 years ago. The excavation work has reached up to 4 feet below the ground at multiple locations in the target area. Many more invaluable age-old items are expected to be found in the region, said sources.
The Asurgarh fortified settlement, which was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, has been ascertained to be the oldest among the major fortified settlements in the State. It dates back to the ninth century BC.
A group of MPhil students led by faculty members Dr Atul Kumar Pradhan and Dr Uma Charan Pati has started the excavation work, which has been approved and supported by the ASI. “We have found black pottery items, old age stones, ornaments like necklaces which are at least 2,000 years old,” Krushna Chandra Lahangir, a MPhil student said.
“With the approval and support of the ASI, Higher Education Department, and Bargarh district administration, Dr Atul Kumar Pradhan of the History Department of GM University and his team of 60 students are carrying out the excavation work. The work has been very successful so far,” Dr Pati said.
