Gangtok: An ancient burial site in Mangmu village, Maneybong-Dentam constituency of Geyzing District has come under archaeological focus with the uncovering of ancient megalithic structures.
Preliminary observations as part of research by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) suggest it one of the oldest such sites discovered in Sikkim.
Hari Chandra Sharma, researcher with ASI said the discovery began about a month ago after stumbling upon in social media. “The structures visible in the images appeared unusual and resembled megalithic formations, which prompted me to visit the site personally,” he said.
During his field visit, Sharma identified several stone structures that could indicate stone platforms, pillars, or even remnants of a residential complex. He stressed that these observations are preliminary and have not yet been scientifically verified.
Sharma explained that features such as upright standing stones (dolmens), slab-like formations, and almond-shaped arrangements are typically associated with megalithic cultures. “When compared with known megalithic sites in regions such as Meghalaya and parts of South India, the structures suggest that this could be a late megalithic burial site,” he said.
Local narratives also indicate that the area may have been used as a burial ground in ancient times. However, villagers no longer retain a clear or consistent cultural memory of the site, which, according to Sharma, may point to its extreme antiquity and long period of neglect.
Adding to the site’s significance, fossil-like remains and aligned stone structures were reportedly found during nearby construction work. While these findings require scientific verification, they further underline the archaeological potential of the area.
Sharma noted that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) can initiate a formal investigation only after receiving an official request from the state government. “Once permission is granted, ASI will conduct an intensive survey, followed by excavation if deemed necessary,” he said, adding that the initial process could take several weeks.
Speaking on behalf of the local community, Basant Gurung said villagers were previously unaware of the megalithic nature of the site. “Our ancestors believed that visiting this place could cause illness, so people avoided it. Earlier, the entire area was covered with dense forest,” he said.
He added that the site was initially selected by Ganit Gurung Lama as a meditation spot following his monastic studies. “He decided the area should be cleared and a monastery constructed. All the villagers came together to clear the forest. There are still belief among village elders to not visit the site at night because there have been noted paranormal incidents. Elders even narrate incidents of seeing certain glowing lights at night”, Gurung said.
It was only after Sharma’s assessment that villagers came to know about the possible archaeological importance of the site. Gurung also mentioned that after the forest was cleared, rock imprints bearing inscriptions in ancient Pali, Dzonga languages to some even having Tibetan inscription of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ and carvings associated with Guru Padmasambhava were noticed around 2005. These smaller carved stones are no longer visible and are believed to have fallen down a nearby cliff.
“Our activities were limited to developing the monastery area. We had no idea about the megalithic structures,” Gurung said. “We are now happy and proud that such an important site has been identified in our village.”
If confirmed, the site could provide valuable insights into early human settlements, migration patterns, and cultural transitions in the eastern Himalayan region, shedding new light on Sikkim’s lesser-known prehistoric past.
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