Neolithic habitation site with evidence of early metallurgy unearthed in Assam
Context
A recent archaeological survey at Daojali Hading in Assam’s Dima Hasao district confirms it as a significant Neolithic habitation site with early metallurgical activity.
Past buried by road
- Discovery Timeline:
- The site of Daojali Hading was first uncovered during the construction of the Lumding- Haflong Road in the 1960s.
- Excavations from 1962 to 1964 were led by Prof. C. Sharma and Prof. M.C. Goswami of Gauhati University’s Department of Anthropology.
- Neolithic Artefacts (1960s Excavation): Cord-marked pottery, polished double-shouldered celts, mortars, pestles, and jadeite stone were found.
- These findings confirmed the Neolithic cultural affiliation of the site and linked it with Eastern and Southeastern Asian Neolithic cultural complexes.
- Site Damage: Despite the significance, road construction continued, burying and damaging large parts of the site.
- New Findings: For the first time, iron slag, ferruginous materials, and a furnace were discovered, indicating early metallurgical activity.
- Recovered items included:
- Polished arrowhead, hafted celts, miniature adzes, broken tools, unfinished flakes, and charcoal samples.
- Cord-marked and low-fired potsherds, grinding stones, limestone deposits, and polished stone tools.
- Recovered items included:
- Technological Diversity:
o The presence of both finished and unfinished lithic tools suggests on-site tool production and a diverse technological culture.
o Demonstrates transition from lithic to emerging metallurgical practices in prehistoric northeast India.
More research sought
- Neolithic Habitation Zone: Presence of domestic and utilitarian artefacts confirms Daojali Hading as a settled Neolithic habitation zone. Validates earlier assumptions that lacked definitive proof.
Note: Whenever you read or revise Ancient History please make sure that you got through the portion related to Neolithic Age.
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