Excavation near Kolkata to unearth pre-Mauryan history

Partha Mukhapaddya BDNEWS Writer Kolkata, Aug 27 (BDNEWS) - Excavation of a new site near here might unearth evidence of human habitation dating back to the 3rd century BC, contrary to the belief that British first colonised the area. The state archaeology department recently found the site, on the banks of Piyali riyal in South 24 Parganas district. "We would begin excavation in winter at Tilpi near Joynagar in South 24 Parganas which could be an early historic site of pre-Mauryan period," quoting West Bengal Archaeology and Museums Department director Gautam Sengupta IANS Saturday. "This could prove that human habitation existed in the area between 3rd century BC and 3rd century AD," Sengupta said. The Maurya dynasty ruled India between 321 and about 240 BC. "If the excavation is successful we might prove wrong the theory that the British first set up human habitation in these areas now under South 24 Parganas district," Sengupta said. The district is 38 km northeast of Kolkata. "We discovered the site recently and came across some terracotta articles, copper coins, stone beads and other artefacts. Excavation is likely to reveal more artefacts and those can be compared with our previous findings to ascertain the occupational history of the area," he added. "This new site is on the banks of Piyali, which is again a part of the river system of Vidyadhari, on the banks of which Chandraketugarh was discovered in the early years of last century," he said. From all indications Chandraketugarh was an important urban centre, most probably a port city. But the state archaeology department is worried that relic hunters are already removing artefacts from there and smuggling them abroad. BDNEWS/1637 hrs