Neolithic
site found in Nagaland
OUR CORRESPONDENT (Telegraph, Kolkata, 25 Jan. 2007)
Kohima, Jan. 24: The on-going archaeological excavation at Chungliyimti
in Tuensang district under a University Grants Commission-sponsored
project, initiated by the department of History and Archaeology,
Nagaland University, has revealed the existence of a Neolithic
civilisation at the site.
Led
by Tiatoshi Jamir, the team includes archaeologists from the department
of Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, and the Archaeological Survey
of India (ASI), New Delhi.
A
settlement bearing deep incision marks on clay, coarse and gritty
sandstone of what is believed to be holes made by poles and footprints,
was discovered near Longtrok. A stone staircase, leading to a
house, was also discovered close to the settlement.
Some
partially weathered stone items, grinding stones and a variety
of pottery pieces were also found.
Charcoal
samples have been collected to establish the date of the civilisation.
Soil samples have also been collected to look for traces of botanical
remains.
Other
team members involved in the excavation are Akumla Walling, a
trained archaeologist from ASI, Chumbeno Ngullie, a research scholar
in the department of Archaeology, Deccan College; Amongla Longkumer,
draughtsman, and Nchumbemo Jamir from the department of History
and Archaeology, Nagaland University.
The
team adopted community-based archaeology to generate a more effective
co-operation between the archaeologists and the local community.
The
team will also educate the masses on the management of local heritage
to boost cultural tourism.
Archaeologists
have excavated at least five Neolithic sites across the state.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070125/asp/northeast/story_7307307.asp