Deogarh district witnessed a remarkable discovery when workers unearthed prehistoric stone tools during road construction near Riamal.
Experts confirmed that the artefacts date back nearly 70,000 years, belonging to the Middle Palaeolithic period.
The find occurred while soil was being dug for a bypass road project at the foothills of Riamal New Bus Stand. Workers spotted unusual stones, prompting further investigation. A joint team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Puri Circle, and Sundargarh Government Autonomous College examined the materials under the leadership of Superintendent Dr Dibishad Gadnayak.
Archaeologists Dr Sakir Hussain and Dr Jayashankar Nayak identified the tools as hand axes, sharp-edged stones, meat-cutting implements, digging instruments, and pointed tools used for hunting. The discovery confirmed that human civilisation in the region developed far earlier than previously believed.
Officials stated that the artefacts prove Deogarh’s significance not only for natural beauty but also as a centre of human evolution. Researchers believe that further studies could reveal details about the diet, lifestyle, and survival strategies of early humans.
Dr Gadnayak emphasised that the discovery will attract global attention and transform Deogarh’s identity into a hub for archaeological research. He noted that extensive exploration could provide new insights into prehistoric human settlements in Odisha.
