Asurgarh is Odisha’s oldest fortified settlement: ASI
Based on recent excavations, it is considered to be the oldest of the major fortified settlements of the state. The Asurgarh fortified settlement is a 9th century BC settlement in the Kalahandi district of Odisha.
The archaeologists used accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon technology to determine its date. This technique separates different types of atoms based on the difference in atomic mass (mass).
Recent research findings:
The cultural development sequence of this site can be divided into the following three phases:
- Iron Age: 9th century BCE to 4th century BCE,
- Early historical or ramparts phase: 2nd century BC to 1st century AD, and
- Subsequent phase/decline of settlement: 2nd century AD to 3rd-4th century AD.
Antiquities found at this site include: coral, lajavard, carnelian, glass, jasper, garnet, oyster, agate, opal quartz, terracotta, ceramic and acacia beads and circular discs made of shards and stones.
It is the only site in Odisha which shows highly efficient engineering of water management as compared to its contemporary sites.
Other ancient historical sites of Odisha:
- Shishupalgarh: Near Bhubaneshwar,
- Jaugarh: A fortified settlement in the Rushikulya valley (Ganjam district),
- Khalkatpatna: Puri, Manikpatna port site (Puri) etc.
Source – The Hindu
