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Orissa farmer ploughs into rare find

M I Khan in Bhubaneswar

A farmer of Orissa has discovered three rare copper plates of the famous Ganga dynasty, while ploughing his field. The find may give new turn to history if excavation is undertaken at the site.

Forty-year-old Gangadhar Seth said, ''It was by mere chance that I found them recently.''

Local historians feel that these plates will shed new light on history, as this is not the first find related to the dynasty in the area.

''Several rare statues, plates and relics will be found near the village if the state government undertakes excavation in the area,'' said Laxman Bhoi.

The latest dicovery has come as ray of hope for the villagers of Ruchida in Bargarh district, which borders Madhya Pradesh. They feel it is an indication that the village and nearby areas have historical significance.

According to the historians, the 1,700-year-old copper plates have inscriptions on them and are connected with a copper ring which bears the seal of a bull and half moon.

"It indicates that these plates belong to the Ganga dynasty," said historian Shiva Dash.

Dash said that Saria, known as Sripur, in Raigarh district, near Ruchida village, was the capital of ancient South Koshal. "The seal of the bull and the half moon on the plates was used by the Ganga dynasty. There is little doubt that these plates belong to the Ganga period," he stated.

The villagers of Ruchida and adjoining areas revealed that the script on the plates was similar to that found on items at various places in Saria and Nrusinghnath.

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