The residents of Nilgiri demand survey and excavation by the State Archaeological Department of some structural ruins, apparentlybuilt of stones, bricks and lime inside the Sono river.
They believe the ruins are remnants of a century old temple, part of a civilization which perished with the passage of time.
According to sources, recently fishermen found the remnants of the temple while they were fishing under Kathapal bridge. They claimed that the site was earlier occupied by human settlements. However, due to change in course of the river, the area gradually went under water.
“There had been human settlements in the region and the temple waspart of it. It is believed the Sono river had changed its course. The State Archaeology Department should conduct a survey through experts so that exact history of the ancient civilization could come to light.
It should also take necessary steps to preserve the antique items,” said Sanjay Kumar Jena, a local resident.
Archaeologist and historian Atul Pradhan, who earlier worked as Assistant Director with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), said the structure appeared to be a religious one.
“The region including Ayodhya,Khaira,Kupari, Nilgiri and Remuna was an amalgamation of mainly three religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism . It is an epicenter of Odisha where ruins and remains of the religions and sects can be traced. Here, till date several sculptures belonging Buddhism, Jainism and Brahmanical cult are found,” said Pradhan.
“The remains found in the Sono river suggest that it is a part of a religious structure. Further study would reveal its identity. Serious attention should be given to the region by the Archaeology Department.
It should carry out researches and take steps to protect them as miscreants are targeting the vintage sculptures and idols,” he said.
Pradhan, who is carrying out a survey and exploration in the area, had earlier found a sculpture of the Varahi, the feminine of Bhairav and some tools.
He said the tools and remains found in the patches suggest that human civilization existed in the patch about 8,000 years ago. "Till now the tools and sculptures found during exploration suggest that the civilization in Baleswar belongs to the pre-historic era. Hundreds of such remains are found in the foothills of the Devangiri between Kuldhia and Kamarapala. During the survey, an eroded statute was found. It probably belongs to the 13th or 14th century, the period of Banga dynasty," said Pradhan.