Tarasso May 12: Adding another archaeological discovery in the state, the Archaeology Section of the Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar had carried out archaeological exploration-cum-excavation works at the jungles of Ramghat under Tarasso Circle of Papum Pare District of Arunachal Pradesh and discovered the ancient settlement remains, covering area of more than 20 Acres (approx.).
The archaeological excavation unearthed a fortification (rampart) measuring 226 Meters long which is made of stone blocks, burnt bricks and stone boulders, having one gate. This Gate is made of stone blocks – rectangular & hemispherical type shape, burnt bricks and stone slabs having 2.83 Meters passage (interior). Some of the stone blocks had symbols/designs on it like combined bow & arrow, bow, arrow and trident. Different shape-size of stone blocks and about thirty one (31) numbers of burnt bricks found to have been used in the fortification so far discovered. The Shivalinga (broken), sealing ball and potsherds were also discovered from the site, and the field investigation reveals the ancient human habitation made of the stone piles (pillars). The stone piles which were discovered during archaeological exploration and scientific debris clearance were also partly conserved.
Archaeological exploration in and around Vyas Kund, Ramghat of Tarasso circle was also conducted and remains of a stone staircase was discovered.
Whole exploration and excavation were done under the supervision of Pura Koji, Archaeologist and Assistant Tadu Ringku of the Research Department.
Koji informed that further intensive field work investigation is needed at the jungles of the Ramghat and Vyas Kund areas to unearth more ancient remains.
He also informed that the archaeological excavation which had started on 24th March 2022 was concluded successfully with the full cooperation and support from the local Administration Balijan, Zilla Parishad Members of Balijan and Tarasso, Tem Pika and Tem Yaba. He also thanked the land owners Tem Tatik for land under fortification remains including Gate of Ramghat etc, Tem Natung for main settlement remains (piles/pillars remains) of Ramghat site, Tana Tagung for Vyas Kund site and Taba Mania for Upper Balijan site, local youth Taba Akho and others for their wholehearted support.
Koji further informed that the Research team also conducted archaeological exploration-cum-excavation at Balijan circle and unearthed the brick structures remains at Upper Balijan area which seems to be ancient settlement remains. The footpath made of bricks connects the structures and runs east to west direction and then towards north direction. Prehistoric tools (flake – Palaeolithic scraper) and potsherds were discovered from the site.
