Remains of an ancient city believed to be around 2500 years old have been unearthed by archaeologists at Sishupalgarh (Khurda district, India). The remnants at the site including 18 pillars came to light during a new research work undertaken by a team of archaeologists including Monica L.Smith of The University Of California and R.K.Mohanty of Deccan College, Pune.
     "A huge city existed at the site around 2500 years ago. The latest findings at the site comprise the most visible standing architectural structures discovered in India so far," Smith said while explaining various aspects of the findings. The remnants suggest that the city, with four gateways, had 20,000 to 25,000 settlers, while classical Athens housed about 10,000 people, Mohanty said adding all these showed the significance of the ancient city.
     The archaeologists came out with new features on the urban life of the people of the ancient period in course of a surface excavation at the fortified site, that was first discovered in 1948 by a team of 12 experts. The pillars discovered during their research and excavation work were a part of a gigantic structure, Mohanty said adding the huge structures were probably used for public gatherings or special functions. Referring to the walls excavated at the site, he said this were quite well-built with a big expanse, amply showing the importance of the ancient site as a city.

Source: The Hindu (8 February 2008)