Tourism

The archaeological background of Lower Dibang Valley district can be traceable from the pre-historic period. Exploratory works of the Europeans and their Indian counter parts in this region made it possible to understand the long history of the district. Among the prominent explorers Captain Gregory found a Neolithic implement called rounded Butt Axe from the Mishmi Hills. Dr. Y.A. Raikar of the Research department, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh collected three triangular Ground Axes and one Bar type polished broken celt during the excavation works at Bhismaknagar in 1970-71. Sri Basudeb Malik, Deptt. of Research, Govt. of A.P, Roing has collected a Neolithic polished Axe from “Rayeng Ralek” (Cultivation area) near Roing in 2001.

All these evidences established the fact that the history of human habitation in the Lower Dibang Valley and its adjoining area started from the pre-historic age, at-least as early as the Neolithic period.

Important Archaeological sites:

BHISMAKNAGAR- A Heritage Monument

Bhismaknagar fort, located nearly 30 km from Roing is tentatively dated to 8 century and is recorded as the oldest archaeological site in the region. Bhismaknagar.

RUKMINI NATI – a ruins of palaces

Rukminati or the ruins of Princess Rukmini is situated at the heart of Chimiri village which is approximately 12 km from Roing. This is a hill-fort presumably of 14th/15th century. You find the remains of burnt and baked bricks, which indicates the progress of the erstwhile civilization. The legend, associated with the site tells that “Rukmininati” was the Palace of Princess Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhismak.

Excavation conducted at the site in 1972-73 reveals structure of two rooms measuring 10m x 10m x 12m, made of bricks up-to plinth level.

ITA PUKHURI – an ancient pond

Around 14 kms from Roing, Ita Pukhuri, the ancient tank, measuring 57m x 57m is located at Ithili village. A large number of bricks have been used in construction of its banks.

PADUM PUKHURI – an ancient pond

It is a historical brick built pond, measuring 60m x 60m is located at Ithili village about 14 kms from Roing. A few hundred yards apart from Itapukhuri is situated Padum Pukhuri. It is observed that in the month of October/November, hundreds of lotus flowers bloom in it.

KAMPONA POND – an ancient pond

It is situated at Idili village at a distance of 17 km from Roing. Kampona in Adi dialect means good looking. It is an ancient tank with clear water. Kampona, measuring around 146m x 90m, is the abode of Nag Raja, as per Adi belief.

KANYING NAT – an ancient pond

Kanying Nat is an ancient tank situated at Idili village. In Adi dialect “Kanying” means ugly looking. Such name has been given because the tank has peculiar shape. It has neither square nor rectangular. It’s area is around 135m x 90m. Bricks have been used for construction of tank.

BRICK WELL – an ancient well

An ancient brick well is situated at Devnath village, 5 kms away from Idili. The circumference of the well is 6.3 feet and the dept is 8.45m. The bricks used in it measures around 16 inch x 12 inch and elongated towards the top with a thickness of 3 inch. Some of the bricks/slabs contain design of birds, bows and arrows with perforations.

CHIDU-CHIMIRI FORT – a remains of fortress

About 12 kms Roing a hill fort is extended over two Idu hamlets Chidu and Chimiri. The remains of Chidu have been completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1950.
Excavation conducted in 1972-73 by the Directorate of Research, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has un-earthed two brick built rooms measuring 10m x 10m and 10m x 12m. The brick structures of the room upto the plinth level is still intact.

GANESH IMAGE – An antique idol

About 19 kms from Roing at Injonu village a stone image of Ganesha was un-earthed. It was made of granite rock, measuring 44 inches high and 27.5 inches wide. It clearly represents a pot bellied Ganesha in a seating posture.
Of the four arms, the lower right is broken from wrist and other three arms are depicted with weapons like hand axe, conch etc. The mahout of Ganesha, the rat is also depicted at the bottom right of the image. There is a spiral line of decoration all along the boarder of the stelae. From the stylistic aspect, its antiquity could be placed in the 9th/10th century A.D. Idol of Ganesha

BONGAL YAPGO – a stockade

The Bongal Yapgo – a stockades wall is situated at Dambuk. It is made out of random rubble masonary. This was built by the Padams during their war with the British in the last part of the 19th century.