Researchers have reported potential evidence of early human activity dating back nearly 10,000 years at the Ushakothi site near Rairakhol in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, a finding that could shed new light on Mesolithic-era habitation in the region.
The discovery was made around seven kilometres from Betagada under Luhapank Panchayat, where researchers identified cave paintings and hand-made stone tools believed to be linked to prehistoric human communities.
The site gained further attention after a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Puri Circle, visited the area in January. Following this, a detailed survey was conducted by Professor Dr Atul Kumar Pradhan of the History Department at Gangadhar Meher University, covering Ushakothi and nearby regions including Chhatagada and Parabhadi.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the artefacts and rock art may belong to the Mesolithic period, indicating that early humans may have lived in or moved through the region thousands of years ago while engaging in hunting and gathering activities.
Experts have stressed that further archaeological study, scientific dating, and excavation will be necessary to confirm the exact age and significance of the findings. If verified, the discovery could provide valuable insights into the early cultural and settlement history of Odisha.
Investigations are expected to continue as researchers work to better understand the site’s historical importance.
