Archaeologists discover 3,500-year-old prehistoric human habitation in Noklak, uncovering ancient pottery, stone tools and evidence of early agriculture
Foxtail millet, pottery and stone tools unearthed in first archaeological excavation of Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt
DIMAPUR — In a breakthrough that could reshape the understanding of Nagaland's prehistoric past, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back about 3,500 years in caves and rockshelters of Noklak district.
The discovery was made during the first-ever archaeological cave expedition in the Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt, undertaken in March by a joint team from Nagaland University (NU) and the department of Art & Culture, according to an NU press release on Monday.
Led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, the team included Dr. Heme Lamthaiu, Dr. Limasanen Longkumer, Archaeological Research Officer Khumeng T, Robinson Huidrom and Victoria Leyri of Delhi University.
The researchers conducted an extensive foot survey of the limestone karst landscape around Chiphur area village with assistance from the Chiphur village council, leading to the identification of five caves and four rock shelters.
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Preliminary excavations yielded a range of archaeological remains, including cord-marked pottery, ground stone tools, hearth features, carbonised grains and animal remains, indicating sustained human occupation.
Among the botanical remains recovered were foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and Job's tears (Coix sp.), providing valuable evidence of early agricultural practices in the region.
Scientific dating carried out by Beta Analytic Laboratory in Miami, Florida, using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), established that Leilo Kaa rock shelter was occupied around 3,500 years ago, while Kathso Kaa cave dates to about 1,000 years ago. The findings suggest that caves in the region were used continuously from prehistoric into historical times.
According to the researchers, Northeast India has long been regarded by archaeologists as an important corridor of prehistoric human migration. The Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt and the Naga Metamorphic Complex along the Indo-Myanmar mountain ranges, particularly around Chiphur and Mimi, possess significant archaeological potential to uncover the lives of early communities that inhabited the region.
They said that scientific dating of cave and rock shelter sites is helping build a clearer picture of prehistoric societies in Nagaland, including their food systems, tool-making traditions, pottery technology, burial practices and cultural worldviews.
A public exhibition showcasing artefacts recovered during the excavation is being planned jointly by the State Museum under the department of Art & Culture and Nagaland University and is expected to be held in October this year.