Tuensang once a neolithic settlement?

Kohima, Jan 27: The History and Archaeology Department of Nagaland University has revealed the existence of a Neolithic civilisation at Chungliyimti under Tuensang district.

Official sources said the archaeological team led by Tiatoshi Jamir, includes archeologists from Pune and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The team during their excavation activities had discovered a settlement bearing deep incision marks on clay, coarse and gritty sandstone of what is believed to be holes made by poles and footprints, near Longtrok area, sources said.

A stone staircase leading to a house was also discovered close to the settlement along with some partially weathered stone items, grinding stones and various pottery items.

Charcoal samples have been collected to establish the date of the civilisation and soil samples were collected to look for traces of botanical remains, Mr Jamir said.

The team adopted community-based archaeology to generate a more effective cooperation between the archaeologists and the local community.

They would also educate the mass on the management of local heritage to boost cultural tourism, sources said.

About five Neolithic sites have been excavated across the state, sources said.

UNI