Archaeologists have discovered historical treasure-troves dating back to Kushan age during excavation at the archaeological site in Asurgarh Fort under Narla tehsil of Odisha’s Kalahandi district.

Priceless remains of Kushana age were found from the excavated sites. The archaeological spade work came across several brick structures of various size and form. Most of the structures are associated with terracotta tiles having groves and hole for socketing, said Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak, the Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological survey of India, Excavation Branch-IV, Bhubaneswar.

These structures are believed to be 1,800 years old. The Asurgarh people then used stone rubbles, brickbats and tile fragments for flooring their houses and streets.

Besides, silver punch marked coins, silver and copper toe ring and ear rings, large number of pottery hopscotches, beads of carnelian, jasper, beryl, garnet, agate and coral; glass bangle pieces of different designs and colours, sling balls, pestle, iron equipments like small wheel, ring, harpoon and arrow head were found during excavation.

The material culture in the form beads and bangle in different shapes and colour shows the artistic talent of the natives of that time. The findings of Coral beads and Imperial variety of silver punch mark coins strongly indicates about long distant trade and association of hinterland people with seafaring people, he said.

The excavation is currently going on in full swing and hopefully more clear settlement patterns and important evidences regarding the historical importance of the site and its relation with other important centres of ancient India will emerge, he added.