Excavations at Asurgarh Fort in Kalahandi District, Odisha Excavations at Asurgarh Fort in Kalahandi district, Odisha were conducted by ASI between 2018-19. Located on the right bank of the river Sandul, a tributary of the Tel, which joins the Mahanadi. The site revealed multiple structural and antiquarian evidences. The Asurgarh Fort is almost rectangular in plan and covers an area of more than half square km. The ramparts are made of rammed rubble, kankars and mud with occasional brick facing at the entrances. There is also a large moat clearly visible on the north, south and eastern direction whereas the river Sandul flows on the western part of the fort. The excavations revealed brick and mud structures, including a unique ghata-shaped burnt brick structure, numerous post holes, and terracotta tiles. Large quantities of crystal quartz and garnet, along with semi-finished and finished beads at two locations, indicate a bead workshop or warehouse. Another structure appears to be a large rectangular hall with a room at one end. Significant finds include sealings, punch-marked coins, a copper lion figurine, pendants, a gold chain, iron implements, semi-precious stone beads, terracotta and iron objects, and stone tools such as celts, adzes, flakes, and blade-cum-scrapers. Ceramics include redware, red polished ware, black ware, and black burnished ware. The site’s cultural period spans circa 5th–6th century BCE to 1st–2nd century CE. Source: Archaeological Survey of India