A structure, similar to those of the Mauryan era, unearthed at Radhanagar village in Jajpur. Telegraph picture

Jajpur, July 22: The ruins of a magnificent gate, a brick structure reminiscent of the Mauryan era, have been unearthed by archaeologists at Radhanagar village in Jajpur district, where excavation work by the state culture department is in progress.

The gate, according to archaeologists, could be part of an ancient fort, which might have been the ancient capital of Kalinga. Made of burnt bricks, the structure is 16ft high and 12ft in length. It was one of the gateways to the ancient fort, said researcher Nrusingha Charan Sahu.

The excavated structure suggests that a meticulously planned township existed at the place during the Mauryan era. It also confirms that Radhanagar was a fort which was destroyed during Ashok’s invasion of Kalinga.

The fort had four gates around it and the one discovered is the western gate of the ancient fort. However, Sahu said a final conclusion about the antiquity of the historical structure and its surroundings could be drawn when more information trickles in.

The discovery, according to the researcher, would shed more light on the history of Radhanagar as well as the Buddhist era and attract scholars to the place from different parts of the country and even abroad. He said many artefacts were also recovered from Radhanagar during the excavation.

Sources said the artefacts, including terracotta earrings, necklace, game sticks and potteries from Radhanagar, were rare. These belonged to the period when the Mauryan emperors ruled.

“When we were digging the land, we discovered this structure of primitive age. The structure is made of bricks of a special kind. All are brunt bricks but they are of three different kinds. We have stopped the excavation because of the monsoon. Once we complete the excavation, we will be in a position to comment with authority on its historical background,” said Sunil Kumar Pattanaik, Secretary, Orissan Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS).

However, Pattanaik said preliminary evidence suggested that the place was a township like Sisupalgarh, Tosali and Kosambi and appeared to have been constructed during the Mauryan era.

“Once we excavate the entire archaeologically rich area in Radhanagar and its environs, a more comprehensive picture will emerge,” he added.

The OIMSEAS secretary said excavation work would resume in October and was expected to provide more insight into the Mauryan era.