India’s history is a treasure trove of ancient mysteries, and the recent excavations at Nara Huda in Odisha have brought one such gem to light. Conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this dig has uncovered remnants of a civilization linked to the Chalcolithic Age, also known as the Copper-Stone Age. This discovery offers a glimpse into life 7,000 years ago. Let’s explore what the Chalcolithic Age was and what secrets Nara Huda has revealed.
The Chalcolithic Age: A Bridge Between Stone and Metal
The Chalcolithic Age marks a pivotal transition in human history, spanning roughly from 4000 BCE to 2000 BCE. It followed the Neolithic Age and preceded the Bronze Age. During this period, humans began using copper alongside stone tools, earning it the name Copper-Stone Age. Copper was melted and shaped into tools, weapons, and utensils, signaling a leap in technology. Later, copper was alloyed with tin to create stronger bronze. In India, this era was defined by rural settlements, farming, and early craftsmanship, stretching from the Chotanagpur Plateau to the Ganges Basin.
Nara Huda Excavations: A Window to Ancient Odisha
Located near Tirimal village in Odisha’s Khurda district, about 30 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, Nara Huda has become a hotspot for archaeologists. Since 2021, the ASI has been excavating this site, and in its third phase, evidence from the Chalcolithic Age (2000 BCE to 1000 BCE) has surfaced. According to archaeologist PK Dixit, circular mud huts, red clay walls, and copper-stone tools have been found, hinting at a settled farming community from 7,000 years ago.
The site also shows signs of habitation across three distinct periods: the Chalcolithic Age, the Iron Age (1000 BCE to 400 BCE), and the Early Historic Period (400 BCE to 200 BCE). This layered history makes Nara Huda a goldmine for understanding India’s past.
What Was Found at Nara Huda?
The findings at Nara Huda are nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a look at some key discoveries:
- Copper and Stone Tools: Knives, axes, and fishing hooks made of copper and stone.
- Pottery: Red, brown, chocolate-painted, and black-and-red pots, some handmade.
- Circular Huts: Mud structures with red clay floors and post holes for pillars.
- Other Artifacts: Bone tools, glass bangle fragments, clay figurines, and polishing stones.
These items suggest a community skilled in agriculture, crafting, and possibly trade, thriving thousands of years ago.
Chalcolithic Sites Across India
Nara Huda isn’t the only place where traces of the Chalcolithic Age have been found. India is dotted with such sites, including:
- Rajasthan: Gilund, Bagor, and Ahar.
- Maharashtra: Daimabad, Inamgaon, Nevasa, and the Jorwe culture.
- Madhya Pradesh: Navdatoli, Nagda, Kayatha, and Eran.
These settlements predate the Harappan civilization and highlight India’s rich prehistoric rural culture.
Why This Discovery Matters
The Nara Huda findings shed light on how people lived, ate, and worked thousands of years ago. They reveal a once-thriving lifestyle near the Mahanadi Delta that declined during the Iron Age and Early Historic Period, possibly due to environmental changes. This discovery connects us to our roots and underscores the importance of preserving such heritage. Sadly, sites like those in Jharkhand are vanishing due to coal mining, making efforts like Nara Huda’s even more critical.
Conclusion
The Chalcolithic Age and the Nara Huda excavations paint a vivid picture of India’s ancient past. This treasure, richer than gold, links us to a 7,000-year-old civilization. The ASI’s work here is a gift not just to India but to the world. Curious to learn more about this ancient era? Share your thoughts in the comments below!