Bhubaneswar: A series of recent excavations at the Prachi river valley, which indicates an early civilisation in the area, have entered its last stage of discovery.

"We will finish the process in a month following which the final report will be prepared and preservation of the site will begin," said deputy superintending archaeologist of Bhubaneswar wing of the Archaeological Survey of India Dibishada Garnayak.

Excavations have been going on in 24 quadrants with the recent findings being a number of structural remains.

"The findings date from the early Iron Age to the pre-historic age. We have already sent them for carbon dating," he said. He said a number marine remains of a number of saltwater species such as shark and dolphin had also been found. "This indicates a close connection of the civilisation with the sea," he said.

ASI officials further claimed that people belonging to those times possessed expertise in weapon-making.

"A number of finished and semi-finished bone-made spears from Bharatihuda and a mound on the bank of the river have also been unearthed. We are expecting to collect more information regarding the civilisation during further excavation," he said.

"Various aspects of the civilization, including the lifestyle and culture, will be revealed in the subsequent excavations."

The ASI officials have also traced stone-made axe, bones of tortoises, birds as well as fragments of earthen pots from the site.