About Deulpota Archaeological Site
Deulpota Archaeological Site is an excavated ancient settlement located in Deulpota village, Diamond Harbour II block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on the bank of the Hooghly River. Excavations have revealed a continuous cultural sequence from around the 2nd century BCE to the medieval period, including Northern Black Polished Ware, terracotta figurines, beads and structural remains. The site is notable for evidence of early historic Bengal settlement and riverine trade activity.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a low earthen mound and excavated trenches on the Hooghly riverbank marking the ancient settlement area. The site is largely open and undeveloped, with exposed stratigraphy and scattered brick and pottery remains visible on the surface. There is no on-site museum; excavated artefacts are housed elsewhere. The surroundings are rural with agricultural fields and riverine landscape. Visitors can walk around the mound, observe the excavation area and photograph the landscape.
Key highlights
- 01
Ancient settlement mound on the Hooghly River bank with cultural deposits from 2nd century BCE onwards
- 02
Finds of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and other early historic pottery
- 03
Terracotta figurines, beads, bangles and semi-precious stone objects recovered during excavations
- 04
Evidence of five cultural periods showing continuous habitation up to medieval times
- 05
Rural riverine setting near Diamond Harbour offering quiet heritage exploration
History of Deulpota Archaeological Site
Deulpota was excavated by the Directorate of Archaeology, West Bengal, revealing a stratified settlement with five cultural periods from circa 2nd century BCE to the medieval period. Findings include Northern Black Polished Ware, Sunga-Kushana and Gupta period pottery, terracotta art, beads and structural remains, indicating a long-lived riverine settlement with trade connections along the Hooghly River in ancient Bengal.
Culture & Context
The site provides evidence of early historic culture in lower Bengal and the evolution of settlement, craft and trade along the Hooghly River. Terracotta figurines and everyday objects reflect the artistic and domestic traditions of successive periods and contribute to understanding Bengal's archaeological heritage.