Researchers have discovered numerous giant “mysterious” urns in India that may have been used in ancient burial customs.
A total of 65 sandstone urns of various shapes and sizes were recently found scattered across four sites in Assam, northeastern India, as reported by the BBC on March 31.
Some of the urns are tall and cylindrical, protruding from the ground, while others are partially or fully buried.
Similar artifacts have previously been discovered in Laos and Indonesia.
Details of this new discovery—collaborating researchers from three universities in India and Australia—were published in the Journal of Asian Archaeology this week.
The study is led by experts Tilok Thakuria (Northeastern Hill University) and Uttam Bathari (Gauhati University).
“We still do not know who created these giant urns or where they lived,” said Nicholas Skopal (Australian National University), a member of the research team.
Although the exact purpose of these giant urns remains unknown, researchers suggest that they “are likely associated with burial activities.”
The newly discovered urns are hollow inside. (Photo: BBC).
“There are stories from the Naga people (an ethnic group in northeastern India) about finding Assam urns filled with bones, beads, and other artifacts,” Skopal noted.
Dr. Thakuria shared with the BBC that the newly discovered urns are completely empty and may have once had lids.
“The next step in this project is to excavate and document the characteristics of these urns,” Dr. Thakuria said.
Researchers confirmed that similar sites have previously been discovered in Assam and the neighboring state of Meghalaya.
So far, about 10 sites containing over 700 urns have been found in Assam, according to Dr. Thakuria. Researchers believe these urns date back to before 400 BC.
The area being searched in Assam is currently limited, and scientists believe there are still many undiscovered sites.
Similar urns were found in Laos in 2016 in Xieng Khouang province, estimated to be at least 2,000 years old.
“The size and structure of the urns found in Assam and Laos are very similar. However, there are some variations in shape and size. The urns in Assam are rounder, while those in Laos are taller and cylindrical,” Skopal explained.
