A Neolithic burial site has been uncovered in Karewa (Wodder) of Newa village, Pulwama, marking a significant archaeological discovery in the Kashmir.
The site was discovered during road expansion work and documented by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on October 9, 2024.
An ASI team led by Superintending Archaeologist Rahul Ramesh Bhosle found 11 pits at the site, eight of which contained human bone remains.
The remains were accompanied by artifacts such as red ochre, potsherds, and slab stones, consistent with Neolithic burial practices.
The discovery suggests that these pits likely served as ancient burial grounds, raising questions about the cultural significance of the site and its connections to other Neolithic locations like Burzahom.
Further investigations, carried out from October 10 to 15, 2024, included collaboration with research scholars and local workers.
The findings have sparked interest in the archaeological community, offering a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of prehistoric traditions in the Kashmir Valley.
In response to the discovery, Director Archives, Archaeology & Museums (AA&M), Jammu and Kashmir, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, has written to the District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Pulwama, requesting immediate action to safeguard the site.
In his letter dated December 31, 2024, Sidha highlighted the site’s historical importance and called for several preservation measures.
These measures include placing the site under the protection of the local magistrate, installing multilingual signboards in Urdu, Hindi, and English to inform the public, and issuing restriction orders within a 200-meter radius to prevent encroachments or unauthorized activity.
Additionally, Sidha requested revenue documents and a detailed site map to facilitate preservation efforts.
The ASI’s earlier communication, dated December 18, 2024, underscored the urgency of declaring the site a protected monument under the law.
Experts believe preserving this site is vital to understanding the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
The discovery of this Neolithic site in Pulwama is being hailed as a milestone in archaeological research for Jammu Kashmir, providing valuable insights into early human settlement and burial practices in the valley.