Chhattisgarh shows its rich side of the ancient history after archeologists have announced that they have found a city that is as old as 2,500 years. This city is near Tarighat in Durg district of the state and excavations to accurately date the site would be made soon.

J R Bhagat, deputy director, archaeology department told that this city was only 30kms from the capital Raipur was originally discovered in 2008 buried in Patan tehsil, Durg district. The remains have shown that the city is a well constructed and exquisitely planned settlement with origins as old as 2nd and 3rd century BC.

It was discovered accidentally when Bhagat was traveling for personal reasons to Tarighat in 2008 when he found old coins, beads, pottery items and bones among several items near the banks of the Kharun river. After getting the go ahead from the Archaeological Survey of India, ASI, he went on further with the studies. These studies proved the potential of this site to be among the biggest of discoveries in a state.  He said, “The coins and semi-precious stones appear to be from the Kushan and Satavahan dynasties”. A few burnt structures might indicate that the settlement could have been wiped off by a fire.

The place had several big structures facing a main road between the two blocks. Prima Facie studies shows that it seemed to be like a market. The site would be dug up carefully upto 20 feet deep and then more valuables would be unearthed.

There appears to be a rich ceramic culture in the place with several pottery items being found in the area including bowls, basins and even vases. Terracotta figurines of males, females and animals was also seen.

This discovery could be one of the most important in the century revealing more of the rule in India. Several valuables of great historic value are expected to be unearthed. There could be evidence that fills in the blanks in our history books.

(AW- Anil)