PRESS RELEASE
A Grand Ancient Indian City Unearthed
Feb. 14, 2008 (EIRNS)—A team of Indian and American archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of an ancient city, estimated as 2,500 years old, in the Sishupalgarh area of the eastern Indian state of Orissa.
The remnants at the historical site, including 18 pillars, came to light during fresh research work undertaken by a team of archaeologists, including Monica L. Smith of the University of California and R.K. Mohanty of Deccan College, Pune.
"A huge city existed at the site around 2,500 years ago. The latest findings at the site comprise the most visible standing architectural structures discovered in India so far," Smith said while explaining various aspects of the findings.
What has been unearhed so far gave archaeologists the impression that the city, with four gateways, had 20,000 to 25,000 settlers, while classical Athens housed about 10,000 people, Mohanty said, adding all these showed the significance of the ancient city. The pillars discovered during their research and excavation work were a part of a gigantic structure, Mohanty said, adding that the huge structures were probably used for public gatherings or special functions. Referring to the walls excavated at the site, he said they were quite well-built with a big expanse, amply showing the importance of the ancient site as a city.
