Sonepur, April 6: Historians presented their viewpoints on the history of Sonepur at a seminar here yesterday.

Most of them felt that there is much history associated with Sonepur than is currently known.

At the seminar organised on the occasion of Subarna Mahotsav, historians said there was need for more research on Subarnapur and its surrounding areas. At least 10 historians from different parts of western Odisha attended the seminar and presented their papers.

“Sonepur is dotted with places such as Tarapurgarh and Sinhasini hills. The nearby Asurgarh at Manamunda in Boudh district also bears the rich history and culture of Sonepur. In the past, historians have explored these places and have found important articles from ancient ruins. But there is need and scope for more research on these places,” said Sonepur district collector Gagan Bihari Swain, who presided over the seminar.

Rameswar Naik of Barpali College, who has done extensive research on Chandalipat caves and the hills of Sonepur presented his discoveries at the seminar. Naik presented his collection of stones, bone fragments, weapons and bangles found from the Chandalipat hills and explained their historical significance.

“These discoveries had led to make me believe that prehistoric men used to live in caves in these places. The articles I have found belong to pre-historic age,” Naik said.

“This kind of seminar should be regularly organised so that people get know about the latest research on Sonepur,” said Benudhar Pradhan, a history enthusiast.