A team of archaeologists has discovered evidence of prehistoric human habitation in caves and rockshelters within the Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt in Noklak district, Nagaland.
The joint research team from the Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, and the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland, was led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, Dr. Heme Lamthaiu, Dr. Limasanen Longkumer, Khumeng T. (ARO), Robinson Huidrom and Victoria Leyri of Delhi University. The team conducted a preliminary archaeological cave expedition in Noklak district for the first time in March this year.
Intensive foot exploration of the limestone karst terrain at Chiphurarea, with the assistance of the Chiphur Village Council, led to the identification of several caves and rockshelters. Excavations at these high-altitude sites uncovered substantial evidence of cord-marked pottery, ground stone tools, hearth features, carbonised cereal remains including Setaria italica (foxtail millet) and Coix species (Job’s tears), as well as wild animal remains.
Two Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dates analysed by Beta Analytic Laboratory in Miami, Florida, established that the rockshelter Leilo Kaa dates to about 3,500 years ago, while the cave site Kathso Kaa dates to around 1,000 years ago. Of the five caves and four rockshelters explored, documented and mapped, these findings indicate that such sites were used from prehistoric times into the historical period.
In scientific research, Northeast India has long been regarded as an important corridor of human migration. The researchers said the Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt and the Naga Metamorphic Complex in the Chiphur and Mimi regions along the Indo-Myanmar mountain ranges hold immense archaeological potential for understanding the prehistoric populations that once inhabited the region.
They added that scientific dating of caves and rockshelters in Nagaland is gradually revealing a more comprehensive picture of ancient communities, including their subsistence practices, tool and pottery technology, burial traditions and possible belief systems.
A public exhibition showcasing the excavation findings is planned for October by the State Museum under the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with Nagaland University.