Panaji: The directorate of archaeology has inspected a partially exposed brick structure found in Cumbharjua after locals unearthed remnants of a buried construction during digging activities. The structure, locally referred to as a ‘Gumbat’, appears to be made of mud-baked bricks, with only a small portion currently visible above ground.
Unique Discovery in Goa
Director of archaeology Nilesh Faldesai said no other structure of the kind has been found in Goa before. “The exposed bricks appear to consist of mud-baked bricks rather than the otherwise common building material in Goa, laterite stone. At this stage, however, the nature and age of the structure remain uncertain. We have also found pieces of broken pots at the site,” he said.
The department has currently covered the structure with tarpaulin to protect it during the monsoon. Further investigation will be undertaken to determine its age and trace its historical significance.
Preliminary Findings
Preliminary findings reveal that the site is a rectangular brick structure filled with mud. Potsherds and brick pieces are seen at the site. The brick size marked 3 inches in thickness, 8 inches in breadth and 12 inches in length. An irregular shaped figure covered with white patina was also found at the site.
“Chemical analysis could further be carried out for dating of the brick structure. To identify the function of the brick structure, we will need further research,” Faldesai said. Any further excavation would require formal permissions, he added.
Protection Measures
The archaeology department’s immediate priority is to assess the site and explore the possibility of bringing it under official protection. “The purpose of protection is that the public can appreciate it as a heritage site, and restrictions can then be imposed. Without protection, anybody can carry out construction, digging or other activities that may affect the site,” he said.
Under existing heritage protection provisions, a buffer zone of 100m is generally maintained around protected monuments, limiting construction and excavation activities in the surrounding area.
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About the Author
Nida Sayed
Nida Sayed is the principal correspondent at the Times of India. She writes on Transport, Oceanography, Agriculture and Meteorology among other subjects. She has been working for TOI since 2014.
