Bhubaneswar, June 12: A group of archaeological researchers have discovered rock shelters, which had evidently been used by the Neolithic people, in the Khandapada forest range in Nayagarh district.

The Neolithic of New Stone Age was a period of evolution, beginning about 10200BC and ending between 4500 and 2000BC.

A team of researchers, led by assistant professor Anam Behera of the department of ancient Indian history, culture and archaeology of Utkal University, came across the rock shelters on Saturday. Other members of the team include three scholars - Kaibalya Charan Pati, Ramakanta Pradhan and Achuta Nanda Pati - of the same varsity.

"We have been doing a lot of explorations recently. We do a lot of aerial photography, which helps us locate sites that might have links to the past. During one such sessions, we came across the site," said Pati, one among the team.

"The natural cave shelter, locally called Masaghai gumpha, includes two huge rocks joined together. To its north, a natural rock shelter is found measuring 35-feet long and 6-feet wide. It is well covered from three sides," said Behera.

The researchers have found evidence of rock art on the surface of the cave. "It is visible in the form of a head of animal and an animal figure. It needs systematic investigation. Its features and ambiance hint towards a cave habitation during the prehistoric times," he added.

"The surface findings - such as handmade pottery and one fragmented ring stone - show that the Neolithic people used the site. Further research will unearth many facets about the gumpha."

Another finding in the same area was Saranda Tasir, located 5km from the site. It is 10 acres of igneous landforms, surrounded by hills on three sides. "On the eastern part of hill, there is a small perennial water channel, which is further indicative of a habitation," said Behera.

"Close to this, a small temple made of natural stone flake and boulder, was also found. According to local people, the place was used for grinding corn, especially mandia. This place might be a microlithic site," said a researcher.

A microlith is a small stone tool usually made of flint. They were made by people from 35,000 years ago to about 3,000 years ago and used as spear points and arrowheads.

Earlier, the varsity students had found 4,500-year-old civilisation at various locations in Khurda district and a 1,400-year old Buddha idol.

"We have been conducting a number of excavations across the state. We are in touch with the Archaeological Survey of India and the state archaeology to carry forward research and find out the exact date of the findings," added Behera.