Kolkata | August 27, 2005 10:25:05 AM IST

Excavation of a new site near here might unearth evidence of human
habitation dating back to the 3rd century BC, contrary to the belief
that British first colonised the area.

The state archaeology department recently found the site, on the banks
of Piyali riyal in South 24 Parganas district.

"We would begin excavation in winter at Tilpi near Joynagar in South
24 Parganas which could be an early historic site of pre-Mauryan
period," West Bengal Archaeology and Museums Department director
Gautam Sengupta told IANS.

"This could prove that human habitation existed in the area between
3rd century BC and 3rd century AD," Sengupta said. The Maurya dynasty
ruled India between 321 and about 240 BC.

"If the excavation is successful we might prove wrong the theory that
the British first set up human habitation in these areas now under
South 24 Parganas district," Sengupta said. The district is 38 km
northeast of Kolkata.

"We discovered the site recently and came across some terracotta
articles, copper coins, stone beads and other artefacts. Excavation is
likely to reveal more artefacts and those can be compared with our
previous findings to ascertain the occupational history of the area,"
he added.

"This new site is on the banks of Piyali, which is again a part of the
river system of Vidyadhari, on the banks of which Chandraketugarh was
discovered in the early years of last century," he said.

Chandraketugarh is located in North 24 Parganas district and its
history dates back to almost 3rd century BC, even before the Maurya
dynasty came up.

The archaeological significance of the Chandraketugarh area came to
light in the early years of the last century when road-building
activities exposed a brick structure and artefacts.

From all indications Chandraketugarh was an important urban centre,
most probably a port city.

The new site at Tilpi could be linked to Chandraketugarh, Sengupta said.

But the state archaeology department is worried that relic hunters are
already removing artefacts from there and smuggling them abroad.

(IANS)
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