In a noteworthy archaeological development in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, researchers have uncovered a significant assortment of artefacts at Embriusa village in the Dehangi area, providing valuable insights into the region’s ancient history. The excavation unearthed a diverse range of objects, including handmade pottery shards, wheel-made pottery fragments, metal items such as a dao and arrowheads, as well as bangles, ornaments, a probable spearhead, charcoal remains, bone fragments, and beads. These artefacts were discovered at a newly identified stone jar site within the village.
All recovered artefacts have been transferred to the District Museum in Haflong for proper documentation and thorough study. The excavation was spearheaded by Dr. Shringdao Langthasa from the Archaeology Department of Dima Hasao, in collaboration with the District Museum in Haflong. Additionally, Prof. Marco Mitri from the Department of History at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) provided academic guidance, with active participation from research scholars from Nagaland University.
One of the standout findings includes a miniature metallic object resembling a vessel, which has piqued the interest of researchers who speculate it may hold cultural or ritualistic significance, though its precise function remains to be determined through further analysis. Dr. Langthasa noted that charcoal samples and other materials will be subjected to scientific laboratory analysis to establish a more accurate chronological framework for the site. The outcomes of these analyses are anticipated to clarify the age of the artefacts and offer deeper insights into the historical context of the stone jar site.
Should the laboratory studies successfully yield a definitive date, this discovery could represent the first scientifically dated finding from a megalithic site in Assam, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s archaeological inquiries. This discovery is anticipated to pave the way for new research avenues into the ancient cultural practices of the hill districts, significantly contributing to the understanding of Assam’s early history.
