Located on the hill locally known as Khoraj no dungar, the site was discovered during a survey by historian-turned-anthropologist Ajay Dandekar and G N Devy of the Bhasha Centre. Dandekar said detailed exploration of the site will start in another two months and will involve plotting and contour-mapping the site. The team will comprise seven experts in rock art, excavation and pottery.

Dandekar and Devy have discovered a low mound, bound on three sides by a partially buried mud-brick fortification wall and on the fourth side by the hill. Ruined temples, mainly comprising small garbhgriha

, have also been found. Several scattered stone icons of various brahminical deities have also been found around the temples. The icons are still worshipped byvillagers from nearby areas, a local resident said.

Dandekar said that a preliminary exploration report had been submitted to the Archaeological Society of India (ASI) for announcement in its journal.

An ethno-archaeological study will be carried out to find out the kind of lifestyle the people led in this part during the medieval age. Excavation would begin only after a detailed exploration.

While the wall appears to have been constructed for security purposes, Dandekar feels a detailed study is required to ascertain the reasons for the construction of the wall and the relation between the people who may have stayed inside the wall and those who constructed it.

Paintings in the cave-like structures formed by rocks present a resemblance to the Pithora paintings done at present by tribals of the Chhotaudepur region. However, Dandekar said a stylistic comparison needs to be done to reach a conclusion.

Another important feature is a step-well. According to experts who have discovered the area, thestyle of construction seems to be that of medieval times. Another opinion, however, is that the step-well could be of a later stage. Devy feels the existence of a step-well and the fortification indicates presence of a certain political system and trade practices among the tribals. Crude pottery has also been found at the site.

A volunteer of the Bhasha Centre said that according to a legend of the Rajput clain of Pavagadh, Tej Singh -- one of the scions of the then ruling family -- had occupied the present site for some time when he was attacked by Sultan of Gujarat Mohammad Begda.

In a letter to the Archaeological Society of India, Dandekar stated, ``The site may be tentatively dated to the medieval period. Only a full-fledged excavation can shed further light on the absolute chronology of the site.''