Research Paper
Survival Spectrum of Prehistoric Tradition in Umiam-Kapili River Valley of West Karbi Anglong, Assam
Authors: Smita Devi Bora
Year: 2026, Volume: 17, Page/Article: 25-42, DOI: https://doi.org/10.47509/AA.2026.v17i.02
Abstract
Reconstructing an area's unwritten history and past cultures can be deduced from the systematic study of archaeological sites and material vestiges of the past. There has been limited research work undertaken in this outlook in Karbi Anglong district of Assam because of socio-political issues and the region’s remote, hilly environment. This research aims to unearth the archaeological resources from the western region of Karbi Anglong district and determine their relevance. Baolagog, Lembra and Umswai are the three villages where the fieldwork has been conducted. Field data have been gathered using archaeological explorations, and interview methods. The investigator encountered remnants of pottery and stone artifacts, especially celts. Potsherds were recovered on surface and in exposed sections which produced 195 number of ceramic sherds. Ethnoarchaeological methods including comparative analogy, petrographic examination, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to evaluate ceramic sherds. Mineralogically similar composition is implied by the results of XRD analysis on samples obtained from both surface and exposed sections. Petrography has identified coarse particle mineralogy, added tempering materials and possible ceramic production processes. Typo-technological evaluation of ceramic sherds, along with existence of polished-stone artifacts (celts) and proximity of monolithic stone construction site provide a basis to investigate this situation ethnoarcheologically. Ceramic sherds and stone artifacts of the examined region; ancient monolithic alignments of stones, a historical form of subsistence; shifting agriculture; and continued utilization of clay vessels in ceremonial rituals by the local residents may be connected through time since a long antiquity. Therefore these elements have made it obvious that there is a basis to understand the area's possibility as a place of ancient habitations.
Keywords: Pottery, XRD, Petrography, Celt, Continuity