A team of archaeologists has uncovered evidence of prehistoric human habitation in caves and rockshelters in Nagaland’s Noklak district, a discovery that is expected to significantly improve understanding of the state’s ancient history and early human settlement.
The discovery was made during a preliminary archaeological expedition conducted in March by a joint team from the Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, and the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland.
The research team was led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, Dr. Heme Lamthaiu, Dr. Limasanen Longkumer, Archaeological Research Officer Khumeng T., Robinson Huidrom and Victoria Leyri of Delhi University.
With support from the Chiphur Village Council, the researchers carried out an extensive survey of the limestone karst landscape in the Chiphur area of Noklak district. During the exploration, they identified five caves and four rockshelters, many of which had not been scientifically investigated earlier.
Excavations at the high-altitude sites yielded several prehistoric artefacts, including cord-marked pottery, ground stone tools, hearth features, carbonised cereal remains such as foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and Job’s tears (Coix species), as well as remains of wild animals. Researchers said these findings provide important clues about the food habits, farming practices and daily lives of some of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Scientific dating carried out by the Beta Analytic Laboratory in Florida, United States, using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), found that the Leilo Kaa rockshelter dates back about 3,500 years, while the Kathso Kaa cave was occupied around 1,000 years ago. According to the researchers, the results indicate that these sites were used continuously from prehistoric into historical times.
The research team said the findings support the long-held belief that Northeast India served as an important route for ancient human migration. They noted that the Naga Hills Ophiolite Belt and the adjoining Naga Metamorphic Complex along the Indo-Myanmar mountain ranges have considerable archaeological potential for studying prehistoric migration, the development of early agriculture, ceramic technology, stone tool traditions, burial practices and cultural evolution.
The discovery is expected to strengthen Nagaland’s archaeological record, where scientific excavations of cave sites have remained limited. Researchers believe the findings could open the way for further exploration and provide new insights into the prehistoric past of the region.
