The archaeological spotlight has once again turned to Maski, a town renowned for its Ashokan inscription. This time, a multinational team of over 20 researchers from the United States, Canada and India has revealed traces of a 4,000-year-old human settlement, pushing Maski’s history back by two millennia. Background Maski is a town and an archaeological site in the Raichur district of the state of Karnataka, India. It lies on the bank of the Maski river which is a tributary of the Tungabhadra. Maski derives its name from Mahasangha or Masangi. The site came into prominence with the discovery of a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. Maski first gained archaeological fame in 1915, when mining engineer C. Beadon discovered a minor rock edict explicitly naming Emperor Ashoka. The edict established Maski’s importance in the Mauryan empire. Excavation Site The latest digs centred on Mallikarjun Hill and the nearby Anjaneya Swamy temple, locations chosen for their elevated terrain and proximity to water sources. Excavations began earlier this year under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with international universities. Key Findings Stone Tools & Microliths: Polished blades, scrapers and points crafted from local chert and quartz suggest advanced tool-making skills. Pottery Fragments: Sherds of coarse red ware and painted buff ware indicate domestic usage and possibly early trade networks. Other Artefacts: Vestiges of grinding stones and bone tools point to a diversified subsistence economy. Significance These artefacts, dated to circa 2000 BCE, confirm the existence of a thriving ancient community at Maski, altering previous timelines that focused primarily on the Mauryan period . The continuity of occupation underscores Maski’s strategic importance in the Raichur Doab corridor. Next Steps Researchers plan comprehensive radiocarbon dating of organic remains and residue analysis on pottery to reconstruct dietary habits and social structures. Further excavations are scheduled to explore adjacent hillocks for evidence of burials and ritualistic activity.