Our Correspondent
Haflong: A recent archaeological reconnaissance survey at Daojali Hading in the Dima Hasao district has uncovered significant new evidence, reaffirming the site as a Neolithic habitation zone dating back to 2700 BP, according to a press release issued by Dr. Shring Dao Langthasa, Research Archaeologist, Department of Archaeology (under the administrative control of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council), Haflong.
Dr. Langthasa stated that these discoveries provide substantial support for earlier hypotheses suggesting Daojali Hading was a major prehistoric settlement site in Northeast India. The investigation was led by Dr. Langthasa and Bhubanjoy Langthasa of the Department of Archaeology in collaboration with Bidisha Bordoloi, District Museum Officer, District Museum, Haflong. The fieldwork was carried out under the expert guidance of Professor Sukanya Sharma of IIT Guwahati and Professor Marco Mitri of NEHU, Shillong.
The team focused their exploration on the ridges of Daojali Hading, located within the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest, a site long recognized for its Neolithic importance.
Daojali Hading first came to archaeological attention during the construction of the Lumding-Haflong road in the 1960s. Systematic excavations in 1962–63 and 1963–64 by the late Professor T.C. Sharma and the late Professor M.C. Goswami from the Department of Anthropology, Gauhati University, revealed polished double-shouldered celts, cord-marked pottery, mortars, pestles, and jadeite stone—clearly establishing the site’s Neolithic affiliations. These findings connected the site with the broader Eastern and Southeast Asian Neolithic cultural complex. However, subsequent road construction over the excavated area led to significant damage, limiting further understanding of its historical depth.
In 1985, Professor T.C. Sharma revisited the site for further exploration. Drawing inspiration from his work, the present team conducted a new reconnaissance survey. Along National Highway 27, the team recovered a significant assemblage of cord-marked and low-fired potsherds, grinding and polishing stones, and polished stone tools, suggesting a potential settlement. In response, four trial trenches were laid.
The excavation yielded rich archaeological materials previously reported—such as polished double-shouldered celts, cord-marked pottery, grinding stones, mortars, pestles, and double-edged celts. Notably, for the first time, iron slag and other ferruginous materials were discovered. Additionally, a polished arrowhead, hafted celts, miniature adzes, broken tools, unfinished flakes, and charcoal samples were recovered. Some trenches offered contextual data, while others revealed significant finds, including limestone deposits and clear indications of early metallurgical activities.
A major highlight of the survey was the discovery of a furnace accompanied by iron slag—definitive evidence of early metallurgy. These ferruginous materials are currently being studied at the Department of Geology, Gauhati University, under the supervision of Professor Jayanta Laskar. Meanwhile, artefacts, soil, and other collected samples are undergoing analysis at the Archaeological Sciences Laboratory, IIT Guwahati.
These findings significantly broaden the understanding of Daojali Hading—not merely as a lithic production site but as a settled Neolithic habitation zone with emerging metallurgical practices. The range of domestic and utilitarian artefacts supports earlier interpretations of the site’s importance but now with stronger and more diverse evidence. The team recommends further research, including full-scale excavations, detailed typological analysis, radiocarbon dating of organic remains, and comparative studies with other Neolithic sites in the region. Such efforts are crucial for reconstructing prehistoric lifeways in Northeast India and advocating for the conservation of this culturally significant site.
The exploration team expressed deep gratitude for the support extended by the Chief Executive Member, Debolal Gorlosa, and the Executive Member of Cultural Affairs, Monjit Naiding, of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. Their commitment to heritage preservation has been vital to the success of the investigation. The team also acknowledged the invaluable field assistance of Pulitha Kemprai, Harash Thaosen, Sanjay Maibangsa, and Apul Sorongpang. Special thanks were given to Sudip Kemprai of Langting, whose expertise in interpreting earlier maps was instrumental in accurately relocating the site.
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