Niali: The excavation branch IV of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) began an excavation on the bank of Prachi River at Bharatihuda here Monday where an ancient civilisation is believed to have flourished.
A team led by ASI Bhubaneswar circle superintendent archaeologist DB Garnaik began the excavation and discovered some ancient stones on the very first day.
According to sources, the Prachi Valley Civilisation flourished at Bharatihuda of Jalalpur village 3000 to 4000 years ago. In May last year, archaeologists had discovered artefacts used by the people of the ancient Copper Stone Age civilisation from the bank of Prachi river.
Sources said Bharatihuda area is spread over 12 acres and is five metres high from its surrounding areas.
While a team of ASI officials set up camps on a ground in front of the Jalalpur high school a few days back, the excavation began Monday. Apart from several officials of the ASI, 50 labourers are engaged in the excavation works. It will continue for four months.
Speaking about it, Garnaik said, “We first came across the ancient civilisation on the basis of information by Purna Chandra Das, a resident of Tampada. After the discovery of artefacts it was revealed that it belonged to the people of Copper Stone Age Civilisation, we began the excavation.”
PNN