The Meghalaya government has decided to ask the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to analyse and study the ancient archeological site at Baitbari.
''It is a very important site and believed to have been inhabited by ancient civilisations over centuries ago,'' Deputy Chief Minister in charge Arts and Culture Bindo M Lanong said.
The archaeological site is located in the Purana Baitbari in Meghalayas West Garo Hills district along the Southern bank of the Jinjiram river.
''Baitbari is the treasure house of ancient civilisations and it would definitely become one of the finest tourist spots if developed. It would also benefit scholars,'' Mr Lanong told reporters here yesterday.
In the early nineties, the Meghalaya government and ASI (pre-historical branch) conducted a joint exploration-excavation in Baitbari.
The excavation unearthed a mud-cum-burnt brick fortification running at least 5 km in north-south direction in a horseshoe fashion with both ends on the bank of the Jinjiram river.
The excavation also exposed a beautifully planned burnt brick temple lying buried under a mound covered with thick bushes during the exploration.
In course of excavating the debris, about 28 terracotta tiles depicting the figure of Gods and Goddesses like Ganesh, Parvati, Kubera, Yaksha and dancing figures were discovered from within and around the outer face of the wall at the base.
The third impressive discovery was the exposure of the site of an octagonal temple with eight miniature Octoone, each having a Shiva linga.
The fourth find was the discovery of a Buddhist stupa.