Excavation at Suryanarayanpur (Satakandi and Athakandi): Preliminary Observations

Shantanu A. Vaidya1*, Saumyashree Moharana2*, Varad S. Sabnis3, Rahul Kumar Verma4, and Rabindra Kumar Mohanty1

Archaeological investigations along the coastal region of Odisha have gained momentum in recent years, particularly with the findings obtained from the excavations at sites such as Gaurangapatna and Kankaikuda (the latter excavated by the first author). These studies have underscored the significance of coastal regions in the development of Protohistoric and Early Historic cultural trajectories in southern Odisha. In this context, periodical field investigations have been undertaken across the region. Notably, extensive and systematic field surveys conducted by the second author in the coastal region of Ganjam District in the state of Odisha resulted in locating numerous settlements along the coastal regions, including the estuarine area of the Rushikulya River. Among these settlements situated in the estuarine context, the site of Suryanarayanpur (Satakandi and Athakandi), has yielded significant evidence pertinent to cultural processes and development of regional economies. Building upon the findings from the survey, a systematic excavation was conducted at Suryanarayanpur during the 2025–2026 field season. The present paper primarily focuses on preliminary observations based on the archaeological evidence recovered from the excavation conducted at the site.