Rajahmundry: For the first time in South India, archaeological authorities have found rare multi-colour semi-precious stone beads in large quantities during ongoing excavations at a megalithic burial site at Rayannapeta of Yetapaka mandal in East Godavari. As many as 69 beads of crystal, carnelian and chalcedony with red, white and blue-brown colour combination were found and they were dated back to fourth or fifth century BC. Each bead is six mm in diameter with three mm thickness.
As many as 69 beads of crystal, carnelian and chalcedony with red, white and blue-brown colour combination were found and they were dated back to fourth or fifth century BC.
Carrying out excavation at the disturbed burial site, the authorities have found a good number of beads just 20 to 30 cm below the earth’s surface. According to the authorities, discovering semi-precious stone beads belonging to neolithic period in such a large number and that too at one place is very rare, though beads in small number were found earlier in other places.
As many as 63 crystal beads, four chalcedony beads and two carnelian beads have been found so far. The beads were made into chains to use them as ornaments to be worn by the women.
The archaeological authorities have been carrying out excavations at mega-lithic burials dated between 1,000 BC to third century AD in the Polavaram project affected areas in order to relocate, restore and preserve the stone inscriptions, idols of local deities and historically significant artefacts for the benefit of the people. In the process of doing so, they have found a rare collection of beads and have secured them.
Archaeology deputy director Mr K. Sai Bhakta Kesav said, “We have found a good collection of multi-coloured semi-precious stone beads of neolithic period during excavations at megalithic burial site. It is rare to find beads in such large number at one place. We will preserve them in the upcoming archaeological museum at Polavaram project site for the benefit of visitors.”
