Indian Archaeology 1996-97 PDF

INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 1996-97
-A REVIEW
PUBLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
JANPATH, NEW DELHI
2002
2002
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Price : Rs. 700.00
PRINTED AT : Public Printing (Delhi) Services, C-80, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi -110020
PREFACE
I am happy to place before you this issue of the IAR in a new format which I hope you will appreciate.
Updating the issues of the IAR is an uphill task, however we are trying to bring out atleast 4 issues during
this year if possible.
I need not perhaps emphasize that in this task the co-operation from not only my colleagues in the
Survey but from all the State Governments, Universities and Research Institutions, is essential. I therefore,
request you to adhere to the time schedule for submission of articles.
As in previous issues, the material incorporated herein is the outcome of the results of the various
archaeological activities conducted by the different offices of the Survey, State Governments, Universities,
Research Institutions and Museums. To each one of them I express my thanks. In handling this vast material
some inaccuracies may have crept in for which I must apologize. However, for any inaccuracy in the data
or in its interpretation, the responsibility lies with the contributors.
I record my deep appreciation for the efforts made by all the members of the Publications Section
of the Survey in helping to bring out the IAR in time, particularly to Dr (Miss) A. Banerji for reducing the
backlog in the publication of the IAR, and virtually making the impossible, possible. Dr B. R. Mani
(Superintending Archaeologist, Publication) owes my special thanks for his invaluable suggestions at various
stages.
For sorting out the material, editing and making the matter press ready I am beholden to the following
officers of the Publication Section: Dr P. K. Trivedi, (Superintending Archaeologist, Publication) now
posted in the Excavation Branch IV, Bhubaneswar; Dr B. R. Mani (Superintending Archaeologist,
Publication); Dr (Miss) Arundhati Banerji (Dy. Superintending Archaeologist, Publication) as also to Shri
Hoshiar Singh (Production Officer, Publication); Mrs. Anju Dhawan and Dr Piyush Bhatt (Assistant
Archaeologists, Publication) and all the other members of the Publication Section for their help in diverse
ways. For improvement in the line drawings incorporated therein, I would like to thanks Shri Vijay Kumar
(Chief Artist), Shri Puran Chand Mukhiya (Marksman) and Shri Daddan Prasad (Marksman) of the Drawing
Section.
The design, layout and typesetting have been done by Mr. Abhishek Biswas and Mr. Bharat Bhushan
Upadhyay for which their entire team deserve to be congratulated. And finally, last but not least to Mr. Anil
Kochar of the Public Printing (Delhi) Service, I express my thanks for bringing out this issue within a very
short period.
(KASTURI GUPTA MENON)

DIRECTOR GENERAL
CONTENTS
I. Explorations and Excavations ... ... ... ... ... ... 1

Andhra Pradesh, 1; Arunachal Pradesh, 2; Assam, 3; Bihar, 5; Goa, 9;
Gujarat, 11; Haryana, 31; Himachal Pradesh, 32; Karnataka, 38;
Kerala, 56; Madhya Pradesh, 57; Maharashtra, 67; Orissa, 70; Punjab, 83;
Rajasthan, 90; Tamil Nadu, 100; Uttar Pradesh, 105; West Bengal, 177
II. Epigraphy ... ... ... ... ... ... 181

Sanskritic and Dravidic Inscriptions, 181
Andhra Pradesh, 181; Madhya Pradesh, 181; Maharashtra, 181;
Tamil Nadu, 182; Arabic and Persian Inscriptions, 183; Delhi, 183;
Gujarat, 183; Karnataka, 184; Maddhya Pradesh, 184; Maharashtra,
187; Uttar Pradesh, 187
III. Numismatics and Treasure Trove ... ... ... ... ... ... 189
West Bengal, 189
IV. Other Important Discoveries ... ... ... ... ... ... 190
Andhra Pradesh, 190; Karnataka, 190; Kerala, 190;Manipur, 191;
Orissa, 191; Tamil Nadu, 191; Uttar Pradesh, 191
V. Radiocarbon Dates ... ... ... ... ... ... 194

Gujarat, 194; Karnataka, 195; Madhya Pradesh, 195; Maharashtra,
196; Orissa, 196; Rajasthan, 197; Uttar Pradesh, 197
VI. Palaeobotanical and Pollen Analytical Investigations ... ... ... ... 198
Gujarat, 198; Haryana, 198
VII. Museums ... ... ............... ............... 205
VIII. Architectural Survey ... ... ... ... ... ... 214
Temple Survey, Northern Region, 214
Building Survey, North, 221
IX. Preservation of Monuments ... ... ... ... ... ... 228
Monuments of National Importance, 228
Agra Circle, 228; Aurangabad Circle, 242; Bangalore Circle, 245;
Bhopal Circle, 251; Bhubaneswar Circle, 256; Calcutta Circle, 259;
Chandigarh Circle, 269; Chennai Circle, 273; Guwahati Circle, 275;
Hyderabad Circle, 280; Jaipur Circle, 283; Lucknow Circle, 287;
Mini Circle, Goa, 290; Patna Circle, 290; Srinagar Circle, 292;
Vadodara Circle, 294
Monuments Maintained by the States, 296
Andhra Pradesh, 296; Assam, 296; Karnataka, 298; Rajasthan, 299
X. Archaeological Chemistry ... ... ... 300
Treatment of Monuments and Paintings, 300
Andhra Pradesh, 300; Bihar, 301; Daman and Diu, 301; Delhi, 301;
Gujarat, 304; Himachal Pradesh, 305; Jammu and Kashmir, 305; Karnataka,
308; Kerala, 309; Madhya Pradesh, 309; Maharashtra, 312; Orissa, 313;
Rajasthan, 314; Tamil Nadu, 315; Uttar Pradesh, 317; West Bengal, 320
Treatment and Preservation of Excavated Objects and Museum Exhibits, 320

Research and Analysis, 322
XI. Archaeological Gardens ... ... ... ... ... ... 324
Andhra Pradesh, 324; Goa, 324; Karnataka, 324; Madhya Pradesh, 324;
Maharashtra, 325; Uttar Pradesh, 325; West Bengal, 325
XII. Publications ... ... .......................................... 326

Publications of the Survey, 326
Other Publications, 326
INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 1996-97-A REVIEW
1. EXPLORATIONS AND EXCAVATION
ANDHRA PRADESH This is a 15 acre cultivated land with an

elevation of about 3 m, landmarked by a few big
1. EXCAVATION AT NELAKONDAPALLI, DISTRICT
KHAMMAM granite boulders locally known as Agri (Agni?)
Devara Gundlu, meaning 'the boulders of God Agni
In continuation of the previous season's work or Agri'. The surface finds comprise pottery viz.,
(Indian Archaeology 1993-94—A Review, p.3) , big jars, basins, dishes, bowls, vases in typical south
excavations conducted by the Directorate of Indian Neolithic fabric and types in red ware and
Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra grey ware; all the above types in red ware, black
Pradesh, brought to light an assembly hall along with ware, black-and-red ware of early historical period;
a row of cells during this season. Antiquities like beads, a Neolithic celt in dolerite; a few shell bangles;
bangle pieces of ivory, glass and shell were also found animal bones and carnelian beads. Probably the
associated. site was occupied from the Neolithic to the early
2. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT KURNOOL historical times.
Ismail Kellellu of the Department of Ancient 3. EXCAVATION AT KOTHAPATNAM, DISTRICT NELLORE

Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Nagpur
University, Nagpur, resumed explorations in Excavations conducted by the Directorate of
Yemmiganur tehsil and located an extensive site about Archaeology and Museums, Government of
2.5 km west of the village Kanakavidu (51 ° 51' N; Andhra Pradesh, brought to light a series of
77° 33' E) which is located at a distance of 8 km granaries, China ware, Rouletted ware, Celadon
south of Nagaladinne, known for its Stone Age ware, besides stone beads and bangle pieces, etc.
cultures explored by Robert Bruce Foote. This place served as a seaport and signifies
maritime trade with China.
1
This publication is referred to in the following pages by the year only.
4. EXCAVATION AT PAVURALLAKONDA, DISTRICT pond measuring 38 m x 28 m about 60 m south of

VlSHAKHAPATNAM the mound. These are surrounded by nala measuring
Excavations conducted by the Directorate of 3.5 m wide from all coiners and both ends meeting in
Archaeology and Museums, Government of Andhra the pond. The nala served a dual purpose of a moat
Pradesh, brought to light three viharas ascribable to and a source of water supply. A number of small
Satavahana epoch having spacious verandahs, circular earthen mounds measuring about 14 m x 10 m are
chaitya-griha, votive stupas and a hall along with also situated in the vicinity at regular intervals. Different
Roman coins and inscribed potsherds datable to circa types of pottery including a few pieces of stone urn,
third-second century BC. black painted pottery, decorated with criss-cross
pattern and a piece of flower vase have been picked
ARUNACHAL PRADESH up, besides one spear-head made of iron from 15 cm
below surface level.
5. EXCAVATION AT GOMSI RANI, DISTRICT EAST
SIANG From the typological analysis of the findings it may
be surmised that the site was inhabited by the people
The ancient site of Gomsi is located 15 km south-
of early medieval period (probably pre-Ahom).
west of district headquarters of Pasighat and 19 km
inside from Murkeng Selek Railway Station on 6. EXCAVATION AT D APORIJO, D ISTRICT UPPER
Assam-Arunachal border. SUBANSIRI
The site is spread in an area of 11.5 acres of In continuation of the previous work (1994-95,
land. The Directorate of Research, Government of p. 3), the Directorate of Research, Government of
Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, has completed the first Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, conducted further
phase of excavation at the site. investigations in and around Daporijo, the district
headquarter. The area embraces the great Himalayas
The trial-digging at the main mound and at in the north, the lower Subansiri district towards the
extreme northwestern corner of the site exposed a west and is delimited by rolling grassland of District
portion of brick wall and a house structure. The brick West Siang in the east and south.
mound measuring 21 m x 17 m is rectangular in shape.
The exhumation revealed ten brick courses to the Daporijo is dominated by the people ofTani group.
northwestern corner of the wall, which were exposed The Tagins constitute a great part of the district population
from the base level upto the floor level. Above the The Gallongs and the Hill Miris also form substantial parts
floor level, the dwellers seem to have erected super- of the population of that area. The Tagins are believed
structure of perishable material. About thirteen bricks to have migrated from Tibet. But they have no clear
in different sizes and shapes were used for the memory of the exact place of migration. On the other
construction of the house. hand almost all the scholars are of the opinion that the
Tani group inhabited this place from time immemorial.
The site represents a large brick mound with The main aim of the excavation was to ascertain the
L-shaped large earthen mound measuring (23 m x existence of Neolithic culture in the area, after having
23 m x 24 m) about 3 m south of it and a rectangular found few artefacts on the surface.
EXPLORATIONS AND EXCA VATIONS
The investigations have been done thoroughly Evidence of ditches, brick-reinforced ramparts, one
around 20 sq km including Daporijo proper; Nima of which measures 11 m high and 21 m wide near
village; Delam village; Sikarije area; Lige and Old Lige Duboroni L.P. School, four brick mounds containing
area; Manga area and Dan area. In this connection structural ruins and ten stone sculptures one of which
fifteen trial-trenches of 2 m x 2 m were dug to ascertain is a stone sankha and, a number of Siva-lingas
the chronological set up of the Neolithic culture. The belonging to circa eighth century AD were found at
depth of trial-trenches ranged between 35 cm to 40 the site. The site covers an area of about 4 sq km and
cm and the artefacts were found in layer 2. is situated close to the River Dhansiri, a southern
tributary of the Brahmaputra to which it was possibly
Out of the total eleven Neolithic tools found, connected. Partial exploration conducted during this
almost all were highly weathered and made of soft year leads to suggest that Duboroni was a brick-built
clay stone. Typologically, these tools belong to the site fortified by ditches and reinforced ramparts.
Neolithic axe group. The implements found in and
around Daporijo are not similar to the tools found at Apart from a Manusa-linga, four Siva-lingas
Parsi-Parlo of Kamla valley, reported during 1980- and ten stone images were noticed at Duboroni in
82. The raw material of the stone artefacts found at Borpathar. These sculptures include a standing
the two sites are different. The cultural deposit of devotee with folded hands, couchant nandi and a
Daporijo included only one layer (layer 2) but in Parsi- sankha carved out of a stone-block. Besides these,
Parlo stone artefacts were found in three different five chaturbhuja figures of Vishnu in samapada-
layers (layers 2 and 3). Geographically, both the sites sthanaka posture carved in a high relief, were found
belong to almost the same late Siwalik deposition. at the Duboroni Siva Temple. The ayudhas in hand,
dress and ornaments and other iconographical features
It is evident from the Neolithic celt found from were neatly depicted on these figures. These images
Daporijo area that present culture shows the continuity are adorned with ornamented kirita-mukutas round
right from Neolithic times. In view of the above data in shape, and flattened on top. Some of these figures
it is difficult to work out the nature of original inhabitants are squat and slightly pot-bellied.
who occupied the area at this stage.
All these five figures of Vishnu carry sankha,
ASSAM chakra, gada and padma; the first three examples
represent Madhusudana, Padmanabha and Vishnu
7. EXPLORATION IN DOIYANG-DHANSIRI VALLEY,
while the last two appear to be the Purushottama forms.
DISTRICT BORPATHAR
H.N. Dutta of the Department of Archaeology, A composite figure of Ardhanarisvara was
Government of Assam, Guwahati, conducted found at Duboroni in a mutilated state. A figure of
explorations in some parts of the Doiyang-Dhansiri Siva (50 cm x 24 cm) seated in maharaja-lilasana
valley. (pl. I A) in high relief, was reported from Borpathar,
close to Duboroni. It holds a damaru in the left hand
At Duboroni in Borpathar, remains of a and a lotus in the right hand, the latter depicted in
habitational site were located by the side of the varada-mudra, resting on the right knee. The figure
Borpathar-Golaghat Road, under thick forest cover. is adorned with a braided jata-mukuta flanked by a
EXPLORATIONS AND EXCAVATIONS
blooming lotus on either side. The tuft of the matted The exploration also led to the discovery of a
hairlock flows down to its shoulder. The elongated brick-mound with ruins of stone relics. A mutilated
ears are seen with kundalas. Its facial expression chaturbhuja Saivite figure on a stela with a rounded
is calm and pleasant and reflects meditative insight. top, fragments of a yoni-pitha and a door-lintel (1.69
Stylistically, the image, like all other icons described cm x 50 cm x 33 cm) have been traced at this site
above, is datable to AD 800. amidst brick remains. The door-lintel bears late
Gupta features in its carving. A brick-built Saiva
The chaturbhuja figure of Vishnu from temple datable to circa AD 900 existed at this site
Borpathar carries an akshamala in its upper right wherein the above mentioned sculptures were
hand, the other ayudhas are sankha, gada and possibly enshrined. A large tank known as
chakra (pl. IB). Presence of akshamala in this Vishnupukhuri (440 m x 220 m), exists near the
figure seems to indicate the development of certain temple site at Telisal.
syncretistic belief in this region. Stylistically, the
figure of Vishnu is akin to other images of the deity The names of the ancient sites have been derived
described above and belongs to the same period. from the two water tanks known as Rajapukhuri
There were evidence of two tanks at Duboroni, of (220 m x 102 m) and Ranipukhuri (75 m x 55 m),
which one measures 85 m x 85 m while the other that exist at the site. The site is located at a distance
tank which is under forest cover, has lost its of about 20 kms from Sarupathar in District Golaghat.
features.
At Ahomgaon in Rajapukhuri another tank was
8. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT GOLAGHAT f ou n d wit h it s b a n k er o d ed, mea s u r i n g
The Department of Archaeology, Government 28m x 27m in north-south axis. A brick-mound
of Assam, Guwahati, conducted explorations at Telisal measuring 42 m wide exists at the site. Two figures of
in Kasomaripathar, located at a distance of about 20 chaturbhuja Vishnu (44 cm x 12 cm) and (42 cm x
km from Merapani in District Golaghat. The site is 22 cm) respectively (pl. IC), Lakshmi, Harihara seated
situated near the dead stream of River Doiyang. in padmasana in dhyana-mudra (pl. ID) and an
ekamukha-linga have been found enshrined in the
The chaturbhuja Devi image carved in high relief village prayer hall at Ahomgaon. The figures are
on a stela with a rounded top, and standing in stylistically akin to the Duboroni group of sculptures.
samapada-sthanaka has been found from the site.
The image has a tall physiognomy with fully developed BIHAR
breasts and a long drapery down to the ankles. Behind
9. EXCAVATION AT KOLHUA, DISTRICT MUZAFFARPUR
the mutilated face a serpentine carve, possibly depicting
a pasa, is seen. The upper right hand holds a trisula In continuation of the earlier work (1993-94,
and the upper left a darpana. The lower hands of the pp. 9-10), Lai Chand Singh of the Patna Circle
icon are mutilated. The figure is flanked by flying of the Archaeological Survey of India, assisted
gandharvas at its top and figures of Ganesa and by K.C. Srivastava, Manoj Dwivedi, A.K. Gupta,
Karttikeya in the middle. On stylistic consideration S.K. Arora, P.K. Tripathi and Avinash Kumar,
the figure is datable to the last quarter of ninth century. carried out excavation at the site towards north
and west of the Markat Hrid tank. Votive
stupas
1
Referred to as the Survey in the following pages.
more than eighty in number including composite Period I belonging to the Chalcolithic black-and-
stupas having circular or square plan and attractive red ware is represented by 1.80 m deposit, divisible
mouldings on elevation, have been exposed. A into four layers ranging from layers 9 to 6 and rest
small square shrine having a drain towards north over natural soil composed of compact yellowish soil.
and opening towards east has also been exposed. The pottery comprised mainly black-and-red ware,
All the structures have a common rammed floor black ware and red ware. Interestingly enough the
made of brick-jelly, lime and surkhi with a slope black-and-red ware includes some plain and finely
towards the tank. slipped specimens. The notable types comprised
lipped-bowl, stem of dish-on-stand in black-and-red
Beside red ware, miniature pots, terracotta ware, channel-spouted bowl in black-and-red ware,
balls and beads, decorative moulded-bricks, finials some dish-on-stand in black ware, perforated pots in
of votive stupas and other minor antiquities, one red ware, small vase and small to medium-sized jars.
partly damaged sandstone image of Buddha in the The associated antiquities included microlithic tools
standing posture, with a height of approximately comprising blade-let and flakes; stone and terracotta
60 cm, is noteworthy. beads, stone balls, pestle; bone points, arrow-head
and unpierced varieties of pottery discs, miniature
10. EXCAVATION AT MANER, DISTRICT PATNA
terracotta crucible and iron slags. The evidence of
The Department of Ancient Indian History and iron slag and terracotta crucible from this period is
Ar chaeology, Patna Univer sity, Patna, in suggestive of the late phase of Chalcolithic
continuation of the previous work (1995-96, p.5), accumulation associated with iron.
resumed excavation at Maner. The work was
conducted by A.K. Singh under the general
Period II is represented by Northern Black
direction of B.P. Roy, with the assistance of N.K..
Polished Ware (NBPW) deposit having a thickness
Arya and P.K. Bose.
of about 1.20 m and the entire deposit is divisible
The main objective of this year's excavation was into three layers ranging from layers 5 to 3. The
to ascertain the cultural sequence of the middle mound constructional activity of this period is evidenced by
located just to the south of the high mound on the the remains of terracotta ring-well consisting of seven
north, where earlier excavations (1989-90) revealed courses of rings and the diameter of the ring-well is
a five-fold cultural sequence, starting from the around 0.75 m. The ring-well rests over layer 5 and
Neolithic, down to the Pala period. Keeping the is sealed by layer 4. The pottery obtained from the
above objective in view, two trenches, each measuring above layers include NBPW and its associated
6 m x 4 m, were laid on the western side of the mound wares, in varying shades such as, black-slipped,
overlooking the dry bed of River Son. The trenches black-and-red, grey and red wares. The antiquities
laid out in the north-south orientation were christened (pls. IIA-B) comprise terracotta female figurine,
as MNR-VIA and MNR-VIB. beads, wheel, disc and circular bone object, iron
objects such as, spears and nails, stone objects such
The digging in this area unveiled four cultural as stone balls and beads, terracotta conical objects
periods as against the five noted in the earlier excavation. and copper antimony rods.
Period III is represented by a small brick wall of trench (RCH-3) measuring 10 m x 6 m was laid just
Gupta phase consisting of four courses of bricks. The to the north of the Ramchaura Temple.
exposed wall running from east to west in the section
About 6 m thick habitational deposit was found
facing east, measures 1.40 m in length. The pottery
to be divisible into five cultural periods as against the
from this layer includes plain and polished red ware
two noted in the previous excavation.
sherds and associated antiquities (pl. IIC) comprise
terracotta human figurine, pendant, a sealing bearing Period I is represented by the Chalcolithic deposit
Gupta Brahmi letters, pestle, stone weight, iron having an average thickness of lm. This deposit is
objects, chessmen and ivory dice. Curiously enough constituted by two layers (8) and (7) resting over natural
a pit cut into layers 3 and 4 sealed by layer 2 has soil, composed of red-yellowish compact clay. The
yielded a single specimen of Neolithic stone celt. lowermost layer (8) is composed of somewhat dark
coloured clay with an average thickness of 0.48 m while
Period IV is marked by a structural-complex
layer (7) is of greyish brown colour having a thickness
consisting of a room-like formation showing three
of 0.50 m. The ceramics recorded from these layers
walls, a brick drain and a brick-built well belonging
consist of red ware and black-and-red ware. The
to the medieval period. The brick well consists of
shapes in these wares include the dish, bowl, trough,
twenty-five courses and its diameter is around 0.75
spout, dish-on-stand, perforated pot and bowl. The
m. The brick drains run from north to south and
black-and-red ware was ofboth coarse and fine variety.
measure 0.55 m in length and 0.20 m in width. The
A broken stone-slab for grinding was also found.
bricks used in the well and drains measure 30.8 cm.
The structural-complex was found at the depth of 0.50 Period II at the site belongs to the pre-NBPW
m from the surface, sealed by layer 1. The layer 1 in phase and it is represented by layers (6A) and (6). The
question, yielded, in addition to the mixed material of layer (6 A) is composed ofburnt clay lump with whitish
different kinds, a good number of green glazed sherds ash having an average thickness of about 0.32m. The
of early medieval period. pottery obtained from this deposit included sherds of
black-slipped ware, a few red ware and black-and-
11. EXCAVATION AT RAMCHAURA, HAZIPUR, DISTRICT
red ware. The fragments of black-slipped ware were
V AISHALI
found in huge quantity with shapes such as incurved
In continuation of the previous year's work plates and dishes, perforated bowl with stand, etc. The
(1995-96, p.6), K.P. Jayaswal Research Institute, associated antiquities comprised arrow-heads, bone
Patna, resumed excavation at Ramchaura under C.P. points and terracotta beads.
Sinha, Jagdishwar Pandey, Bijoy Kumar Chaudhary
and Anil Kumar assisted by Vijay Kumar, Ratan Layer (6) is composed ofbrownish soil with grey
Kumar, S.N. Jha and B.K. Jha. patches here and there with an average thickness of
about 0.90 m. The pottery obtained from this layer
The main objective of this year's excavation was also included black-slipped ware and red ware. The
to ascertain further the cultural sequence in the area shapes in black-slipped ware included the bowl,
close to the Ramchaura Temple located towards the incurved dishes, plates and cups while those found in
eastern side of the excavated trench (RCH-2). One red ware were the bowl, dish, vase, jar and trough
besides the antiquities which comprised terracotta from west to east. The bricks used in the drains
beads, bone points, arrow-heads and iron objects. measure 35 cm x 22 cm x 5.5 cm.
Period III at the site is marked by the NBPW Period V belongs to the Gupta period. It is
deposit having a thickness of about 0.90 m, represented by layer (3) which is composed of dull
represented by layer (5), which is composed of brown soil mixed with brickbats and its average
brown soil mixed with potsherds. The pottery thickness is about 0.70 m. The deposit yielded plain
obtained from this layer included NBPW of different red ware including finely slipped specimens. The shapes
hues besides its associated ware such as black- includedjars, vases, trough, dishes and miniature pots.
slipped ware, black-and-red ware and grey ware. Amongst the antiquities, terracotta human and animal
The shapes included the dish, bowl, miniature pot figurines, balls, stoppers and beads besides iron
along with a few dishes and bowls bearing designs. objects and stone pieces are worth mentioning. The
The antiquities belonging to this period included most notable discovery of this period is a brick-built
mainly terracotta objects such as wheels, stamps, well unearthed at a depth of 2.18 m from the surface.
beads, net sinkers, sealings, moulds, stoppers,
The brick-built well is characterized by two
human and animal figurines apart from bone objects
walls—inner and outer. The inner wall consists of
such as point, stylus, tanged arrow-heads besides a
ninety-five courses of bricks and measures 0.25 m in
few carnelian and semi-precious stone beads, stone
width while the outer wall consists of sixty-seven
pestle and some iron objects.
courses of bricks and measures 0.67 m in width. The
Period IV belongs to Kushan level and is bricks used in the construction of the outer wall
represented mainly by layer (4), composed of measure 0.35 m x 0.24 m x 0.6 m while bricks used
yellowish brown soil. The pottery recovered from this in the construction of the inner wall measure 0.31 -
layer included red ware viz., finely slipped and 0.35 m x 0.25m x0.6m.
polished varieties. The main types in these wares
GOA
comprised bowls, dishes and at times painted with
12. EXCAVATION AT ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH-COMPLEX,
linear designs, handi, miniature bowls and pots,
D ISTRICT O LD GOA
sprinklers in different colours, sizes and shapes, vase
bearing designs and auspicious marks. The antiquities In continuation of the pr evious year's
associated with this phase included terracotta human (1995-96, p.7) excavation, the Mini Circle Goa, of
and animal figurines, wheels, balls, beads, stoppers the Survey, took up the scientific clearance-cum
and sealings; iron objects; bone bangles and kauries. excavation at St. Augustine church-complex at Old
A significant discovery of this phase is a pucca floor, Goa, under the direction of Muhammed K.K.,
made of surkhi-lime (2.40 m x 1.65 m x 0.16 m) assisted by Manoj Kumar Saxena and Gopala Rao.
and is connected with a brick drain. It was found at a
After the removal of thick vegetation, the
depth of 3.35 m from the surface, sealed by layer (4).
southern half of the Sacristy was further excavated. It
The drain was found at a depth of 3.35 m from the
exposed one big hall measuring 15.95 m x 7.80 m x
surface. This covered drain is connected with the floor.
4.00 m. During the excavation, two arches measuring
The drain 2.90 m in length and 0.23 m in breadth runs
EXPLORA TIONS AND EXCA VATIONS
3.20 m x 1.50 m x 0.62 m could be exposed. The training to the students of the Institute and carrying
key stone of the first arch was found in a broken state. out simultaneous conservation of important
The other was closed at a later stage by laterite blocks. structures, the academic objectives were: to gather
This closure appears to have followed the banning further details of planning and architecture and make
of the religious orders including Augustinians, by deep probing at selected places in the north-south
the Portuguese Government in 1835. After the ban, oriented trenches in all the principal divisions and
Santa casa de Misericordia, a charitable institution subdivisions of the city such as Castle, Bailey,
was transferred to it and much of the additions and Middle Town, Lower Town, both the Stadiums,
alterations had taken place during their occupation. Annexe and in the open fields believed to be
concealing reservoirs.
The excavation also exposed four windows, two
each on eastern and western sides, top of both the The results obtained have been highly rewarding.
windows have collapsed. Windows measure 3.10m In the cultivated field running along to the south of
x 2.20 m x 1.80 m. In the centre of the southern wall, Castle, an east-west oriented rockcut reservoir
an altar measuring 2.40 m x 1.42 m x 0.49 m was (pl. III) was brought to light, the first of its kind in the
encountered. Harappan, for that matter, in any prehistoric context
found so far. This reservoir that seems to be running
A door leading to the inner chamber was also parallel to the Castle wall is cut in a stepped fashion
exposed on the south-west corner of the southern having three levels through the sandy limestone
wall, measuring 2.05 m x 0.98 m x 2.00 m. Not far formation. The bottom of the reservoir was struck at
from it a niche (1.15 m x 0.60 m x 0.65 m) was a depth of 8.36 m below the surface and 7.90 m
encountered on the western wall at the south-west below the ancient working level of Stage III when it
corner. In the corner of the same hall a depression was first excavated by the Harappans. In fact, the
(1.40 m x 1.05 m x 0.25 m) was also noticed. first step that was partly cut through the rock and
Important antiquities like Chinese pottery, iron clamp, partly built up in the gaps of the rock, was carved to
Italian tiles, etc., were also collected during the obtain a landing terrace running along either side of
clearance. the reservoir. In width, the northern landing measures
about 4 m and the southern one about 2 m. The span
GUJARAT
of the reservoir at the ancient working level measures
15 m at the top while the depth of each terrace cut
13. EXCAVATION AT DHOLAVIRA, DISTRICT KACHCHH
into the rock is about 0.65 m on the north and 0.45 m
The Institute of Archaeology of the Survey on the south. The width of the main reservoir, meant
resumed excavation at Dholavira, which has been for holding the water, measures 8.90 m at the first
under way since 1989-90, under the direction of level and gets reduced to 8.36 m at the depth that
R.S. Bisht, assisted by Urmila Sant, D.N. Dimri, ranges from 3.43 m to 3.35 m due to the mild taper
Y.S. Rawat, Balbir Singh, Ravinder Kumar, G.S. on both of its faces. Then starts the lowermost
Rao, R.K. Dalai, V.H. Parmar, J.B. Makwana, L.S. segment of the reservoir, which is 5.65 m broad and
Mamani, Ram Kumar, Naresh Kumar Kharb, 2 m deep on the north side and 1.40 m on the south
Rajesh Manik and others. Besides imparting respectively. Significantly, it was excavated obliquely
at an angle of 14° on both sides from the main line of manifest, whereas on the other sides the gushing
the reservoir. Only further excavation can provide an surface run-off during the period of desertion has
answer to this aberration. Stratigraphically speaking, caused such damage that the stones still in situ have
much of the reservoir seems to have been filled up been rounded off. The well has been evacuated to a
with the water-borne sediments perhaps during Stage depth of 13.60 m. For striking the water-table, about
V or soon after. another ten metres of excavation may perhaps be
necessary. On the available evidence, it is almost
However, there was still a depression when the
certain that the well was certainly in existence during
site was reoccupied in Stage VI during which it seems
Stage IV and had been used all through upto Stage
to have got fully silted up. While excavating further
VI. It is not unlikely that Stage VII people might
north, it was noted that a flight of steps, going back in
have drawn water from it. Only full excavation can
point of time to Stage III, descended from a narrow
settle this issue as the stratigraphical context in the
gate opening to the landing of the reservoir. That gate
subsurface was found poorly preserved. So far the
is connected to a subterranean passageway pierced
first introduction of the well is concerned, it can be
through the thickness of the defensive wall of Castle.
ascertained by digging deep down the exterior of the
The gate seems to have been filled in and blocked
shell of the well.
sometime during Stage V. During the period of neglect,
the steps got eroded besides being fully or partially Significantly during the basal slab of the trough
robbed of the stones. This unpretentious gate was is found bearing rope marks. Besides, some slabs
perhaps a Watergate for the occupants of the royal bearing deep rope marks due to their use for a
household. longer period and thereby rendered unfit for further
use have been found from the excavation as
The weaker strata of the geological formation in
discards. It is also interesting to record that the
the reservoir were sealed with superb stone masonry.
debris of a collapsed structure on the eastern side
Each stone block was most expertly cut and neatly
of the well indicates that there stood a stone
coursed with the mortar of an impervious clay. Rock
masonry column; on the opposite side was noticed
faces were also thoroughly smoothened to make it
another, although lesser, pile of stones. There is a
less porous.
strong possibility that there were two stone
The south-western corner of Castle seems to columns to support a horizontal wooden shaft,
have been reserved for water structures such as a fitted with a pulley for lowering a leather bag into
large well, two water tanks, drains and some the well for drawing water and letting it flow into
associated architectural features (pl. IV A). The well, the stone trough which is provided on the south-
perhaps the largest one found so far in the Harappan eastern part of the shell of the well. It is made of
context, has its internal diametre of 4.45 m in the three stoneslabs—one, for the base having an
north-south direction and 4.15m along the east-west outward slant and the two placed vertically along
(pl. IV B). The distortion is due to the lateral thrust the sides. Whereas the side towards the well is
from the direction of the east and the west. The original wide open, the opposite one is found blocked with
diametre may have, therefore, been 4.25 m. On the a high stone masonry wall. The south-western
south-western face of the well a high degree of skill is vertical slab has a small aperture that is connected
13
to a covered drain that carried the water to the In the centre of the tank, there is built a miniature
two nearby water tanks. The available evidence tank with length, width and depth of 80 cm each. On
has strongly indicated that a large leather bag the floor, there are deep use marks. Some of the
having two mouths, one wide and the other narrow, steps too bear circular depressions, often caused due
each fitted with a thicker and a thinner rope to the placing of water jars. It is not unlikely that the
respectively, was used for drawing the water with water tank was originally upto the top of the slab lining.
It, however, remained in use till the end of Stage VI.
the aid of the above-mentioned pulley, etc. A
Most significantly, this water tank was found
group of persons or a pair of animals must have
associated with a symbolic evidence. A water jar,
been drafted for pulling the ropes for drawing
elegantly decorated with simple geometrical motifs in
water from the well.
the Jhukar style, was found placed empty and upside
From the well, the larger of the tanks lies 9 m down, with a stone lid on its mouth, near the top
to the north and the smaller one is 13.20 m to the landing of the staircase of the tank. It was left there
north-east. Lying 4.70 m apart and parallel to each by the late Harappans at the time of deserting the
other, both are connected to Broadway through town of Dholavira.
their respective staircases. The larger tank (pl.V) Now to the smaller tank (pl. VI): its internal
which has been exposed considerably during the measurements are: 2.20 m north-south, 2.30 m
previous two seasons of excavation was subjected east-west, 4.85 m deep, and the staircase being
to further investigation. Internally, it measures 4.65 5.30 m long north-south and 2.45 m wide. The
m north-south, 3.15m east-west and 4.80 m deep. staircase has fourteen steps descending from north
Four walls, each 70 cm wide, enclose the tank, to south. Like that of the larger one, the span of
albeit with a projecting staircase which measures the steps is one metre. Importantly, the stairs are
2.25 m north-south and 2.50 m east-west. In all, far gentler and built much better with an average
there are six steps having the span of 1 m, the tread tread of 30 cm. For stepping into the tank, a
of 40 to 50 cm and the rise of 20 to 40 cm. These cylindrical limestone block is found placed on the
steps have different phases of construction following floor close to the last step of the stairway. It not
the periodical rise in the levels of Broadway. only facilitated an easy descent but may have also
Significantly, the stairs descend only halfway down been used as a seat by the user as this could have
and terminate 1.90 m above the floor of the tank. been a bathing tank. Anyway, it is interesting to
In the south-eastern corner, there is a spout note that the cylindrical block conceals an
projecting from the mouth of the drain that is aperture which may be connected to a drain for
connected to the well as stated above. The flushing out the used water. The limestone slabs
maximum extent may be the maximum original height used for lining are smaller in height as well as
of the partly damaged walls of the tank, 3.80 m. width. However, the inlet channel showing usually
The lower margin all around is lined with 60 to70 a wide mouth, like that of the larger one, is in the
cm wide and 1.20 to 1.30 m high limestone slabs south-western corner. Floor paving is also of
joined together with a fine, sticky and impervious superior workmanship. A circular block placed
close to the lowermost step, in fact conceals a
clay. Above it is the rubble masonry of poor
small aperture, which could be connected to a
workmanship, raised from time to time with the rise
drain meant for flushing out dirty water at the
of the surrounding area.
15
time of periodical mopping of the tank. A similar trenches are, in fact, extensions from the trenches
hole was observed in the larger tank as well. In both opened up during the excavation in the last season. In
the cases, there could be drains connected to the most of the trenches, excavations were confined to
main drain that ran underground beneath the exposing the top part of the mud-brick wall, by tracing
Broadway. Looking at both the tanks, it is certain the external and internal limits/boundary of the wall
that the larger one was for storage of water and the and exposing one or two courses of brick. It is only in
other could have been a bathing tank. Trench D 5 that deep digging along the wall was carried
out with a view to reconstruct the history of the
Further digging in this area may reveal a few more periphery-wall.
interesting features. Already, traces of some fireplaces
perhaps used for heating water, have been noticed The excavation revealed about 15 m of the wall
Besides, some small cubicle-like constructions, which at the northern side and about 25 m at the eastern
once fitted with stone slabs, were seen in the area side in the northeastern corner of the settlement (fig. 1).
lying between the well and the tank. Those could be Besides, in Trench D 5, the excavation was continued
bathrooms. till the natural sediments were reached. It appears that
the perimeter-wall was constructed in two distinct
The excavation also yielded a variety of stages and in both the stages a similar style and pattern
antiquities (pls. VII-VIII). of wall construction was followed by the Harappan
people at Bagasra. The wall generally consisted of a
14. EXCAVATION AT BAGASRA, DISTRICT RAJKOT
stone-built basal part, followed at the top by a high
In continuation of the earlier work (1995-96, mud-brick construction (fig. 2). The extant height of
pp. 16-22), the Department of Archaeology, M.S. the wall from the base, combining both the stages, is
University of Boroda, Vadodara, resumed excavation about 3 m in which about 2.20 m at the base was
at the Harappan site at Bagasra, under the direction built of large sandstone blocks, quarried from nearby
of V.H. Sonawane, assisted by P. Ajithprasad, K.K. sandstone formations. The extant height of the mud-
Bhan, S. Pratapachandran and Abhijit Majumdar with brick wall belonging to Stage II and lying on top of
a view to understanding the plan and layout of the the stone base is about 0.90 m to 1.10 m. The width
periphery wall besides exposing its main features. This of this last stage mud-brick wall at its top varies from
year's excavation revealed various aspects of the wall 5.00 m to 5.20 m.
including different stages of its rebuilding and expansion
Construction of the above periphery-wall
A part of the inner-side of the mud-brick postdates the beginning of occupation at the site. The
periphery-wall in the northern side was already wall was found resting on a 40 to 50 cm thick cultural
unearthed in Trenches D 7 and D 6 during last season's deposit, represented by the layers 12,13 and 14 in
excavation. Considering this, eleven new trenches Trench D 5 (fig.2 ). This deposit predates the wall
were opened up in the northeastern corner of the and lies directly over the dark, clayey natural sediments
mound in order to trace the extension of the wall with remains of two successive thin clay floors. The
towards east from the Trenches D 6 and D 7 and foundation trench of the wall, in fact, cuts through the
towards south from the northeastern corner. These above pre-fortification deposit. Ceramic assemblage
from this early deposit predominates the local variety The wall, especially the mud-brick built top part,
of pottery, mainly imitating the Harappan vessels and was subsequently reconstructed with a view to
the Anarta pottery of north Gujarat region, apart from increasing its height. This new activity represented the
a few Harappan sherds. second stage of construction of the periphery-wall.
In order to give a solid foundation to the periphery-
The basal stone masonry wall in Stage-I with a wall, a large foundation trench was dug not only by
height of about 1.20 m comprised six courses of large removing the remains of the already damaged mud-
blocks of stone, two of which formed the foundation. brick wall but also by removing the deposits lying
However, about 40 cm thick construction debris directly against the brick-wall. Thus, the bottom of
consisting of rubble-stones and brickbats accumulated the narrow foundation trench" touches the top of the
at the base of the wall (layer 11), conceals about two stone-wall which was hitherto concealed under the
more courses of stone-blocks. The sandstone blocks thick habitation deposit.
used in the construction were subjected to a simple,
preliminary dressing, probably using a broad edged Construction of the new wall (Stage II)
copper/bronze celt, as a series of shallow scoop commenced from the top of the stone base of the
marks are visible on them. The corner stones at the earlier (Stage I) wall, but after leaving a space of
northeastern corner of the wall, on the other hand, about 35 cm to 40 cm projecting out like a ledge/
was finely dressed and shaped by using a chisel or a platform all around the periphery-wall. Stone base
punch. of the wall in the second stage has a height of lm
consisting of five courses of stone-blocks set in mud
Since this stone base was used as a foundation and clay mortar. The top part of the wall was made
for later construction in the second stage after pulling of mud-bricks and it had an extant height of 0.90
down the mud-brick top, the original construction m to 1.10 m incorporating ten courses of brick.
above the stone base of Stage 1 periphery-wall could The mud-bricks used in the construction are
not be traced. Considering the deposit accumulated generally of three varying colours, composition and
against the wall before it was rebuilt, it appears, that compactness: (a) a dark greyish, (b) yellowish
the mud-brick wall had a minimum height of about brown, and (c) a light ashy-grey. The bricks are of
1.25 m from the top of the stone-built base. The different sizes too. While some of them are very
deposit lying against the wall includes many distinct large, measuring 12 cm x 24 cm x 48 cm, the most
layers (layers 10 to 6) and a series of plastered floor common sizes are 8 cm x 1 6 cm x 32 cm and 9
in the layers 10 to 8 (fig. 2). The floor was made of a cm x 18 cm x 36 cm.
fine calcarious clay-plaster of light grey and cream
colour applied successively, one above the other, The base of the wall is slightly broader than the
forming thin alternating bands. The plastered floor in top and it seems that the outer face of it was periodically
layer 8 was about 20 cm thick and reasonably well repaired and rejuvenated by putting thick layers of mud-
preserved. A similar kind of plastered floor extending plaster and sometimes even by buttressing the basal
from the periphery-wall towards the inner side of the part with bricks. This is evident from an overlapping of
settlement was also uncovered in Trench D 7 during one or two courses of mud-brick with the last course
the last season's excavation. of stone-blocks in the base of the wall.
22
So far, no evidence of an external bastion at embossed impressions of 'unicorn' figure and a

the northeastern corner could be traced. On the standard in front of it. There are also some faint
other hand, it has a simple square internal bastion impressions of an inscription in Harappan script at
in the form of 3.80 m wide projections from the the top. The second sealing recovered in the
northern and the eastern wall at the interior of excavation bears the stamped impression of a
the northeastern corner (fig. 1). In the later period, square seal with an embossed-pattern of small
the corners around this bastion were filled with square grid. Although too fragmented, it bears three
brickbats and other material from wall collapse and such partial impressions. The third terracotta sealing
it was consolidated by a compact clay plaster. This bears the stamped impression of two spirals. This
treatment completely conceals the sharp corners spiral pattern resembles the pattern of concentric
of the bastion. circles engraved on the square steatite tablets
unearthed from Kalibangan in Rajasthan and from
The eastern side of the wall extends further Nagwada in Gujarat. The broken backside of
south in the Trenches D 4, D 16, E 1 and EK13 these three terracotta sealings show the impression
from the north-east corner (fig. 1). The bricks of a cylindrical rod and a cord wound around it,
forming the top part of the wall excavated in the probably the impressions of some sort of a device
above trenches are much disintegrated and used for sealing consignments by the Harappans.
therefore, both the internal and external margins of
the wall are not clearly demarcated. Remains of The nature of ceramic assemblage unearthed
the stone wall were found right on the surface in in the excavation remains more or less the same as
Trench D 4. The excavation revealed seven courses was reported in the last season. A preliminary
of stone-blocks in this part of the wall where further sorting of the various pottery types indicates that
excavations will be carried out in the next field these could be classified into three major
season. categories:(a) Urban/Mature Harappan pottery, (b)
Sorath Harappan pottery, and (c) Anarta pottery
A number of artefacts including a few of north Gujarat region. In addition to these three
terracotta stamped sealings, copper and bone major classes, there is also a fourth variety which,
implements, beads of semi-precious stones, faience in fact, is a local tradition mainly imitating the shapes
and shell, bangles and inlay pieces of shell, terracotta of the Harappan. In its texture and appearance it is
figurines and toys and a considerable quantity of closer to the fine variety of Anarta pottery than the
different types of pottery vessels have been Harappan.
collected from the excavation.
The local pottery is relatively abundant in the
Three fragmented pieces of terracotta sealings pre-fortification/pre-periphery-wall deposit
with stamped impression were recovered (pl. IX). comprising the layers 12, 13 and 14. It is
These include a large fragment of a conical sealing represented by bowls with in-curved rim, small
bearing five distinct stamped impressions, pots and dishes. Also associated with this were a
apparently of a single square seal measuring 1.40 few Anarta pottery and occassional sherds of the
cm x 1.40 cm. Although much abraded, it shows classical Harappan pottery. It is interesting to note
23
that a single sherd of a black-and-red ware bowl Mohenjodaro. This red ware pottery has a thin
was also found from this early level. The actual wash of light cream slip.
significance of this could not be ascertained as it
was found in isolation outside the walled area of Two separate rims and a few more sherds of
the settlement. Black-and-Red ware was absent the black-slipped jars were also found in the current
in the succeeding upper strata and reappeared only excavation. While one of the rims was collected from
in the last phase, from layer 5 onwards. In addition the surface, the second rim was found in layer 11,
to the black-and-red ware, the upper levels (layers representing the construction debris of the periphery-
1 to 5) yielded a number of Sorath Harappan wall belonging to Stage I. It was believed that these
vessels, especially convex-sided bowls, stud- pots were used for overseas transportation of goods
handled bowls, pots and jars of medium size and by the Harappans at the site and started from the
large pots and basins in red ware and buff ware. A early days of settlement itself.
few sherds of Micaceous Red Ware, sometimes
with the characteristic paintings were also part of Among the other artefacts found in excavation,
this later period deposit. mention must be made of a number of bone/horn
points of different sizes (pl. X A); copper implements
The inter vening deposit in the middle such as rods, a fragmentary chain, a knife, a small
represented by the layers 6 to 11, revealed a broken chisel head (pl. X B) and lithic blade tools of
number of classical Harappan pottery, a few Rohri chert and other locally available raw materials
Anarta pottery and the local pottery types in like chert, jasper and agate. Two specimens of the
varying frequencies while beakers and narrow cubical agate weight rough-out were also recovered
pedestalled-goblets/vases wer e reported in in the excavation. Besides, a few ornamental beads
abundance from the middle phase of habitation of carnelian, lapis lazuli, faience, wafer thin disc
inside the walled area during excavation in the last beads of steatite and a variety of shell bangles, some
season. Only a single sherd of each of these of them with the chevron motif, and inlay pieces were
vessels was reported in the current season from also found. Marine gastropod shells of Turbinella
the deposit lying outside the periphery-wall. Other pyrum, Chicoreous ramosus and Fasciolaria
vessels like the dish-on-stand, large basins with trapezium were extensively used in their production.
projected rim, S-shaped jars with flanged rim,
perforated jars, tall vases with flat base were also The terracotta objects comprised a small bull
common in the collection. figurine, a few toy-cart wheels and chassis, tops,
pottery discs and inlay pieces. Although the front
The assemblage included a number of part of the head and the two projecting horns have
Reserved Slip Ware, in varying colour schemes like broken off, the bull figurine shows very fine modelling
black and grey or red and pale yellow or cream; with a prominent hump and a short tail. Both front
and a few sherds of a variety of surface-roughened and hind legs, are joined together in a mass of clay.
Wet Ware. Another interesting pottery is a small It resembles a number of similar bull figurines with
sherd with cut-out triangular perforations which joint limbs recovered from the early, Period II B
resemble the Cut-Ware reported from deposit at Harappa.
25
A good quantity of skeletal remains of domestic are located in this geomorphic context and they are
and wild animals exploited by the Harappans at the much better preserved than the sites located at the
site was unearthed here. Apart from these two, the foot of the hills.
third important component of the subsistence
economy of the inhabitants was extensive exploitation The main types of rock formations found in this
of marine/aquatic fauna. This included varieties of region are the extensively exposed granite of the
large marine fish whose vertebrae, otoliths and other Precambrian belonging to the Vindhyan series and the
remains were found in abundance. Other items quartzite and gneissic schist belonging to the Aravalli
exploited at the site were aquatic arthropods like series. Quartzite of different hue and colour occurring
lobsters and crabs; and varieties of calms and other in these ridges were extensively used for making
edible bivalves. Also collected were a number of implements during the Palaeolithic period. The main
light fraction samples after floatation of carefully quaternary formations in the valley are the alluvial
selected samples from habitational deposits with a deposit of the Sukhi and the colluvial deposit
view to procuring floral remains. composed of cobbles and rock clasts of quartzite and
quartz often intermixed in a reddish or yellowish
15. E XCAVATION AT JOGPURA, DISTRICT VADODARA calcareous sand-clay matrix derived from the
Ajithprasad of the Department of weathering of granite. This deposit incorporates both
Archaeology, M.S. University of Baroda, abraded and unabraded artefacts of the Acheulian
Vadodara, conducted excavations at a few of the period. On the other hand, the Acheulian artefacts at
Acheulian localities in Jogpura village, in Pavi-Jetpur the top of Jogpura hills were found associated with a
taluk. T he Department r eceived the For d bright reddish soil.
Foundation Grant for the project.
The Acheulian and early Middle Palaeolithic
The Acheulian primary localities in Jogpura (22° localities in this area have been identified as discrete
30' N; 73° 46' E) is situated at the top of an extensive clusters of artefacts and their debitage spread on
hilly ridge about 340 m (478 MSL) above the ground the surface in the open air. Some of these localities
level. In fact, these rocky ridges are the erosional incorporated a number of heavily abraded artefacts
remnants of the original high tableland; and at present along with a very fresh and unabraded tools.
they have an east-west strike for almost a stretch of Besides, while the abraded artefacts were covered
10 km to 12 km starting from Dungarwant in the east with heavy patina, the unabraded ones have little
and merging with the alluvial plain of Poyli village in patina. Some of the abraded tools were rejuvenated/
the west. The top part of this hilly ridge, due to refashioned by deliberate flaking and retouching in
structural features and erosion, appears like a slightly the later period in which the freshly flaked parts stand
tilted amphitheater with high rocky ridges and flat rock out in marked contrast with the abraded part covered
promontories all around and erosional gullies of with patina. These features were observed in the
varying morphology in the centre. Currently it has artefact assemblage from many of the Acheulian sites
enough soil cover and perennial sources of water located earlier in the foot-hill region in the valley too.
which support tribal life at this height. The aforesaid Since, both abraded and unabraded tools currently
primary Acheulian and early Middle Palaeolithic sites occur on the open land surface, no stratigraphic
27
distinction between the two could be established. measuring hardly 15 cm to 20 cm, and it is
Hence, one of the main objectives of the excavation followed by a 25 cm thick sterile layer. The top
at Jogpura was to ascertain the stratigraphic context most deposit, from 20 cm onwards, incorporates
of these two groups of tools. along with the earlier mentioned tools, a number
of quartz implements which belonged to the early
Three trenches of varying dimensions were Middle Palaeolithic period. It is apparent from
opened up at the site with the above objectives. these features that the region has undergone
Trench I was put at an area where both the different erosional episodes which had profoundly
abraded and unabraded artefacts were found effected the primary localities of Palaeolithic
mixed together on the surface in abundance. settlement. Hence, it is necessary to study the
Features of distribution and relative position of micro-depositional features of each site within the
artefacts on the surface were meticulously larger environmental frame-work, to understand
recorded using a grid plan in this 10 m x 10 m the site formation process that were active at the
trench. The excavation, however, was confined site.
to only one half, that is 10 m X5 m of the trench.
The soil cover in the western half of the trench A small trial-trench was opened up at about
was hardly 15 cm deep and the artefacts were 150 m north of the first trench in the midst of
virtually lying on top of the soft disintegrated quartzite outcrop with a view to collecting
gneissic schist. The eastern half on the other hand evidence regarding raw material exploitation
revealed a 65 cm to 80 cm deposit, which slopes pattern. Total deposit of debris in the trench
down gently from the west towards east. All measures 50 to 60 cm and impenetrable large
through the deposit incorporated both abraded blocks of quartzite hindered further digging. This
and unabraded artefacts (pl. XI A) except in the deposit has yielded a large quantity of the Acheulian
bottom most deposit yielding only abraded tools. industry debitage predominated by waste flakes and
This deposit is a narrow rain-gully between two chips. Notched scrapers too, fabricated on a variety
gneissic rock which got deposited with abraded of flakes and sometimes even on large nodules,
artefacts. That, it is clear from this piece of were found in abundance in this assemblage. Only
evidence, when the original gullies were filled up very few diagnostic finished artefacts were found
by the abraded artefacts, the fresh unabraded in the collection. It appears, while a few artefacts
tools were not existent at the site for erosional were manufactured at the place itself, large blocks
movement. Thus, even though, at present both of quartzite were extracted from the outcrop and
these types of tools are found mixed together on transported to other places in the site for fabricating
the surface at the site, it is apparent that the un- Acheulian tools. This assemblage contains only
abraded tools are several thousands of years fresh unabraded artefacts generally belonging to the
younger than the abraded ones. late Acheulian period.
Lying immediately above this is the mixed A trench measuring 3 m x 2 m was put in an
deposit of abraded and unabraded tools belonging area located at about 100 m south-west of the
to the Acheulian period. This deposit is very thin, Trench I, showing a marked concentration of early
29
Middle Palaeolithic artefacts with a view to early Middle Palaeolithic culture at the site
establishing the stratigraphic context of the developed into a rich Middle Palaeolithic culture
Acheulian and the early Middle Palaeolithic which predominantly used fine-grained milky quartz
deposits. The excavation revealed a total deposit for preparing flake tools (pl. XII B).
of 80 cm (pl. XIB). The topmost layer upto a depth
of 20 cm belonged to the Middle Palaeolithic HARYANA
occupation. The artefacts collected from this
16. EXCAVATION AT BALU, DISTIRCT KAITHAL
deposit included mainly various types of scrapers
and retouched flakes, predominantly on quartz. It S.P. Shukla, Arun Kesarwani, B.K. Kathil,
also included a few early Middle Palaeolithic tools. N.P. Nawani, M. Singh and other members of the
This deposit was preceded by about 20 cm thick Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and
sterile, slightly clayey deposit. Below this deposit Archaeology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra,
was found the artefacts of the early Middle resumed excavation at Balu, in continuation of the
Palaeolithic and the late Acheulian. This deposit earlier work (1994-95, pp. 27-28).Trenches(L4,
was found resting on the disintegrated top of the L 5, M 3, M 4, M 5, and N 4) were laid on the
bed-rock of gneissic formation. No stratigraphic southeastern side of the mound to expose Harappan
distinction between the two tool types could be and pre-Harappan house plans. A big house
found in this deposit. On the contrary, it appears planned diagonally with several rooms, of which
that it marks the continuation of the Acheulian three rooms were exposed in the trenches (L 5, M
tradition. The artefacts collected from this period 4, M 5, and N 4). The walls were made of mud-
include two well-made late Acheulian handaxes, bricks (72 cm x 36 cm x 12 cm) which measured
scrapers, chopping tools, a number of retouched 80 m in width. The corner room measured 4.1 2 m
flakes and two miniature handaxes (fig. XII A), x 2.70 m. Its walls contained five courses of mud-
scrapers made on Levallois flake, retouched and bricks yielding the relics of three successive floor-
used flakes and various debitage of the industry. A levels. At the depth of 50 cm, an earlier mud-brick
small circular open fire-place/hearth, measuring wall of the Harappan phase was encountered. The
about 30 cm acr oss and showing good diagonally running wall of the structure suggested
concentration of charcoal was also found in this an open courtyard forming part of the house. The
bed along with the early Middle Palaeolithic and above house most probably had an entrance in one
late Acheulian tools. of the rooms, located on the southwestern side. In
Trench M 3, a gali measuring 87 cm, was found
In addition to these, many distinct between two mud-brick houses. Several antiquities
concentration of artefact clusters at the site have were recovered but the significant ones included
also been demarcated and mapped with a view to chert blades, copper objects, terracotta bird-
studying the functional relationship between them. shaped whistle, bone points and beads of steatite.
At a few of these localities, systematic collection A triangular terracotta cake had two incised
and recording of the pattern of artefact spread on crossed lines. A few sherds of big pots of typical
the surface were also carried out. A preliminary Harappan form and design were recovered. The
study of the data so far collected indicates that the painted designs included pipal leaf, fish motif and
31
other forms. On a few sherds the use of white svastika symbol. It was discovered from the debris
colour has been attested to. on the southwestern part of the mound which was
disturbed by the farmers.
In Trench M 5, a mud-wall (width 40 cm),
made of blackish sticky clay, below the Harappan HIMACHAL PRADESH
ashy material, belonging to the pre-Harappan phase
17. EXCAVATION AT CHETRU, DISTRICT KANGRA
was exposed. It was diagonally laid from NW to
SE direction. The site of Chetru (32°10' N;76° 8 'E) was
excavated jointly by the Chandigarh Circle of the
In Trench M 6 the relics of a workshop having Survey and the Department of Language and Culture,
a bhatti, a big pot inserted in the ground and two Shimla, under the supervision of P.K Mishra and H.L
post-holes, about 3.45 m apart, were exposed. The Garg, assisted by Jasmer Singh, Piyush Bhatt, Rahul
latter may have been used to provide a thatched Bhosle, A.V. Naganoor, Vinod Kumar, R.K. Saproo,
shade. Apart from this, three bhattis were also Baldev Singh, Rajesh Bakshi and Gauri Dutt. The
exposed in Trench L 4, belonging to the late objectives were to investigate the nature of occupation
Harappan phase. The area seems to have been used and structural activity at the site.
for industrial purpose, when the habitation was shifted
to other parts of the mound. A wall made of single Excavation revealed a single culture settlement
assignable to circa second-third century AD with two
mud-brick course running north-east to south-west
in this trench was found disturbed by subsequent phases of structural activity.
habitation. In phase I, a semicircular undressed pebble-stone
structure was exposed, the extension of which remains
As a result of cutting and levelling of the
to be confirmed. The pottery in this phase was mainly
northern part of the mound by the farmers, the
of red and micaceous red ware, which, due to water
Harappan defence wall was badly damaged. A few
logging, have turned into an ochreous tint. However,
trenches (Ax Ext 7,8, Cx Ext 7 and Dx Ext 7) were
a few sherds of plain grey ware were also found. The
laid to expose the same. The excavations revealed a
shapes included bowls, dishes, spouts, basins and
massive bastion, 15.10 m in width, built of mud-
pitcher etc. A broken portion of the upper-half of a
bricks of various sizes (44 cm x 22 cm x 11 cm,
sprinkler was also found.
40 cm x 20 cm x 10 cm, 20 cm x 20 cm x 7 cm,
26 cm x 22 cm). The defence wall was traced upto In phase II, burnt-brick and an undressed
9.90 m from the eastern end of the bastion. A hole pebble-stone circular structure has been encountered.
in the bastion yielded two hundred and twenty-five The length could not be determined as none of the
small beads of steatite of uniform size. A house plan bricks showed a complete shape. The other objects
near the defence wall was partly exposed. After a of this phase comprised an oblong, spherical crystal
lapse of time the bastion had partly collapsed as the bead, a somewhat square-shaped terracotta tablet, a
fallen bricks were exposed at the periphery. One of broken ear-stud and a head scratcher. The pottery of
the most interesting finds of this season's work was earlier phase continued but the grey ware is
the discovery of a knobbed-steatite seal with conspicuous by its absence.
32
18. EXPORATION IN DISTRICT KINNAUR

Circle of the Survey, explored sixteen villages in District
Jasmer Singh, Piyush Bhatt, Rahul Bhosle, Kinnaur and located twenty sites of archaeological
Vinod Kumar, Rajesh Bakshi and Gauri Dutt importance.
Village/Sites Nature of remains
Four temples in pagoda-style, on a stone plinth with

Chagaon roof in three tiers; tripple-storeyed Siva temple of
o
(31 32'N;78°05'E) pagoda-style made of wood. The uppermost roof
is circular while the rest are triangular (late medieval
period)
Kalpa Vishnu Temple-complex in pagoda-style comprises

(31°32'N; 78°15'E) the main temple, a fort and a chouring. The main
temple on a high stone plinth has been completely
renovated which consists of a garbhagriha and
pradakshinapatha, both constructed over a
dressed-stone platform. The double-storeyed,
two-tiered fort topped by finial of amalaka and
kalasa, with walls made of wood and stone;
Narayana Temple-complex in pagoda-style
consisting of four structures two main temples,
one kothi and one gate. The main temple
comprises a squarish garbhagriha with an image
of Narayana. The walls are of dressed-stones
alternated by wooden beams (late medieval
period)
Kamru Buddhist temple, squarish on plan, battering roof of

(31°26'N; 78°15'E) slatestone (late medieval period)
Kaphnu A rectangular temple in pagoda-style with high plinth

(33° 37'N; 78° 02' E) of stone; Buddha Temple (Dalai Lama Dujjam),
suqarish, complete wooden construction on a
stone-plinth having tapering wooden roof (late
medieval period)
33
Katgaon A Siva Temple-complex in pagoda-style, comprising
six structures (late medieval period)
Kilba Badri Narayana Temple-complex in pagoda-style

(31°29'N; 78°10'E) set in the village and fully renovated; the complex
comprises two structures locally known as Kala
Kothi or Killa (fort) and kothar (store). The three-
storeyed temple standing on a stone-plinth with
wood and stone walls; roof of slatestone supported
by wooden beams topped by amalaka and kalasa
(late medieval period)
Kilba A baoli (tank) locally known as Bayo-Mating,

(31° 31' N;78° 09'E) enclosed in rectangular stone stairs and is about 1
m deep; a few figures of animals like seated bull,
Siva-linga, hero-stone, besides wooden
sculptures representing Siva and female heads and
miniature shrines of stone attached to the southern
walls (late medieval period)
Kothi The Mahakali Durga Mandir-complex in pagoda-

(31° 31' N;78°09'E) style, consisting of a rectangular gate, a single-
walled stone structure with roof supported by
four carved pillars on either side; rectangular
three-storeyed main temple with walls of
dressed-stone and wooden beams, followed by
a four-tiered roof, all made from slatestone in
Nagara style; the most important structure of the
whole complex is a Siva Temple, square on plan,
made of dry masonry, consisting of a
garbhagriha and pillared-porch with a single
roof at one point; linga and yoni are present in
the garbhagriha (late medieval period)
Nachar Three wooden temples in pagoda-style with taper-

(31°33'N;77°59'E) ing slatestone roof, highly carved on all sides in floral
and animal patterns (late medieval period)
Roghi The Narayana Temple-complex in pagoda-style

(31°31'N;78° 14'E) showing a combination of three structures, i.e.,the main
temple, the fort and chouring, all enclosed within a
stone-boundary; main temple fully renovated standing
on a low plinth and walls of wood and stone with
tapering roof; circular canopy topped with amalaka,
kalasa, full moon and crescent; double-storeyed kothi
(fort) raised on a high plinth of stone and made of
wooden beams and stone; chouring (kothar) with
pillared-wall, topped with three-tiered roof; small
Vishnu Temple in pagoda-style with garbhagriha and
porch raised on a small plinth of stone marked by
intricately carved gate (late medieval period)
Sangla Devi Mandir-complex in pagoda-style showing

(31°25'N;78°16'E) three structures, decorated with floral, animal and
human motifs; small temple-complex known as
Badrinatha Temple in pagoda-style, consisting of a
stone gate with wooden doors led by steps further;
main temple is squarish on plan, completely made of
wood with balcony in first storey; Devi Mandir
complex in pagoda-style, three-storeyed with three-
tiered sloping roof of slatestone; top floor is
decorated with floral pattern (late medieval period)
Sapni Peeri Nag Temple-complex in pagoda-style having

a gate, main temple and ratha, main temple rests on a
(31°25'N;78°16'E)
plinth of stone followed by wooden beams; roof of
slatestone grounded by amalaka and kalasa, profusely
carved with floral and human designs; Narayana
Temple-complex in pagoda-style, three-storeyed
temple dedicated to Vishnu (late medieval period)
INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY I996-97-A REVIEW
Sungra Siva Temple-complex in pagoda-style consisting of

(31°33'N;77°57'E) a big temple; supported by ratha and subsidiary
shrines (late medieval period)
KARNATAKA fortification has been cleared of its debris to a length of

52 m and to a height of 2.5 m and a width of over 3 m.
19.E.XCAVATION AT H AMPI, DISTRICT BE LLARY
The excavation carried out towards the southern
In continuation of the previous year's work side unveiled a disturbed terraced-residential quarters
(1995-96, pp. 25-28), the Bangalore Circle of the in east-west orientation, almost parallel to the Royal
Sur vey, under K.P. Poonacha assisted by residence. The structure has a total length of 19 m
T.M. Keshava, T.P. Balakrishna Unnithan and and a width of 14.80 m and at present extends to a
Megharaj M.H. resumed excavation at Hampi. total height of 1.90 m. The structure is built in
uncoursed rubble in mud-mortar and is lime-plastered.
The excavation conducted towards the west of Atleast three successive stages of lime-plastering is
the Royal residence between the western screen-walls encountered. The eastern facade of the structure
and western enclosure-wall (pl. XIII) revealed a huge reveals veneering members with conventional
water tank in north-south orientation with a flight of mouldings similar to the Royal residence with pada,
steps towards the north. The tank measures 19.20 m adho-kumuda, a narrow kantha and an urdhva-
in length (north-south) and 8.50 m (east-west) in kumuda. Each terrace descends into successive
width, has a total depth of 4 meters (pl. XIV A). The landing at east by solitary flight of steps. Even these
tank is raised in four stages with offsets varying from landings are laid with lime-concrete and are lime-
0.80 m to 1.20 m in height. All the offsets have uniform plastered. Further to the south-east, east and south
width of 35 cm and at the first offset on the western of this Royal residential quarter, there are series of
side is a nandimukha inlet opening into the tank disturbed rectangular halls, guard-rooms and screen-
(pl. XIV B). A small silt tank of 1 m square with a walls with zig-zag entrances. The main structure
depth of 40 cm is located towards the southwestern abutting it has an open backyard with the evidences
side in the tank. The east-west running, major water of plastering and a squarish well of nearly 2 m depth
channel to the north of the Royal residence passes at its southwestern side.
through a sham entrance in the western screen-wall
and takes a southern course and joins the nandi- Similar to the structures earlier exposed, this
mukha inlet. Thus this huge tank built to the western large residential structure too appears to have been
side of the Royal residence served the purpose of decorated with stucco figures of birds, animals and
storage tank for water. Totally there are eleven steps creepers. Extensive damage caused due to fire activity
each with a length of 1.25m, 1.30 m in width and a and burning is very well evidenced in this structure in
height of 25 cm. In addition to the above, the moat the form of lumps of charcoal and ash encountered
between the westernmost screen-wall and the western from the excavation. The deposit varied from 0.50 m
38
to 2.5 m at different places and reveals three layers of As a means of simultaneous conservation, the
humus, burnt ashy layers with charcoal, brickbats and westernmost screen-wall of rubble-masonry of 60 m
of gravel. length and a width of 1.30 m, the north-south running
western screen-wall and east-west running southern
The antiquities retrieved from the excavation are screen-wall of the Royal residence with a height of 0.3m
in the form of copper coins, beads of semi-precious to 2.25 m and the newly excavated residential quarters
stones, decorated incised Chinese porcelain in addition in the palace-complex have been restored completely
to medieval grey and red wares. as per the original. As a part of conservation, the zig-
zag entrance to the north, north-east of the main
The excavation carried out in sixteen trenches structure, Rangamahal and the accretionary terraced
towards the south and southwestern direction of rectangular structure of 17.25 m x 13 m was completely
the Rangamahal in the mint enclosure has laid bare restored as per the original by using the available
an entrance in the south-west corner, two tanks architectural units, in sand lime-mortar.
with a flight of steps towards west and also a series
of cloister (rooms) towards the south of the 20. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT BELLARY
basement of the palatial structure in the east-west W.V.S.Narasimham, of the Bangalore Circle of
orientation. The antiquities comprised a few beads the Survey, under the village-to-village survey
and copper coins. discovered the following remains in Kudligi taluk.
Appayyanahalli Cist-burials; mound with iron-slag, remnants of

(14° 51'30"; 76° 41'30") medieval water supply system, hero-stones (post-
Vijayanagara period)
Belligatta Microliths made on chert, iron-smelting site, hero-

stones (Vijayanagara period); a palm-leaf
manuscript (post-Vijayanagara period)
(14° 48' 00"; 76° 32' 00")
Ekkegundi Iron-smelting site
(14° 46' 30"; 76° 35' 20")
Ganda Bommanahalli
14°30"; 76° 35' 40") Medieval fort, iron-smelting site, hero-stones and
inscriptions (post-Vijayanagara period)
Gudikote Microliths, rock-shelters with paintings, temple,

(45° 50' 00"; 76° 38' 00") stepped-wells, loose sculptures, hero-stones and
fort (Vijayanagara period)
Gundumunugu Inscriptions and remnants of a mud-fort (post

(14° 43' 00"; 76° 31' 00") Vijayanagara period)
Halasagara Microliths, Neolithic implements, cist-burials, hero-

(14° 50' 30"; 76° 40' 00") stones, inscr iptions and loos e scu lptur es
(Vijayanagara and post-Vijayanagara period); iron-
smelting site
Haralihalu Tanks (post-Vijayanagara period); Saiva sculptures,

(14°43’00"; 76° 33' 30") hero-stones and iron-smelting site
Haravadi Hero-stones (Vijayanagara period) and iron-

(14° 50' 00"; 76° 30' 00") smelting site
Hulikunta Remnants of a medieval fort

(14° 46' 00"; 76° 32' 00")
Jarmali Rock paintings, forts, hero-stones, temples and

(14°44’30”;76°28' 00") loose sculptures (post-Vijayanagara period)
Kasapur Tanks (Vijayanagara period) and iron-smelting site

(14° 47' 00"; 76° 38' 30")
Kombehalli Remnants of a medieval fort; iron-smelting site

(14° 43' 00"; 76° 38' 30")
Kudire Davu Lower Palaeoliths, palm-leaf manuscripts, inscriptions

(14° 52' 00"; 76° 33' 30") and hero-stones (Vijayanagara period); iron-smelting
site
Kumati Microliths; anthropomorphic megalithic burials (pl.

(14° 41' 00"; 76° 36' 00") XV), port-holed chamber tombs, hero-stones;
remnants of a medieval fort
41
Village/Site Nature of remains
Minekere Remnants of a medieval fort

(14° 42' 00"; 76° 38' 00")
Rama Durg Hero-stones, inscriptions and iron-smelting site

(14° 51' 30"; 76° 33' 00")
Shidegallu Paintings in rock-shelters, hero-stones, loose

(14°48’00”; 76° 34' 30") sculptures and iron-smelting site
Uradihalli Temples of late Chalukyan period, inscriptions,

(14° 46' 00"; 76° 38' 30") hero-stone (Vijayanagara period) and iron-smelting
site.
21. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT BELLARY

By C. Mahadev, Vasudev Badiger and C.S.
Under the village-to-village survey Vasudevan, discovered the following sites of
scheme, K.M. Suresh of the Kannada
archaeological importance
University, Hampi, assisted
Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period); Siva-

Hadagali taluk linga and Vrishabha
Allipura
Anguru Gaddi Basavesvara (seventeenth-eighteenth

century), Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya
period); Siva-linga, sculptures of Vishnu, Surya,
Ganesa, Daksha, Brahma, Rati-Manmatha, Uma-
Mahesvara and Naga
BalaHunasi Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-

linga and Vrishabha
42
Hadagali taluk
Budanuru Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period),

Virabhadra (sixteenth-seventeenth century) Siva-
linga, Surya, Sapta-matrikas, gaja-Lakshmi,
hero-stone and Vishnu
Devagondanahalli Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-

linga, Vrishabha, Vamana, mudra-stone with
inscription
Hagaranuru Kallesvara Temple, Siva-linga, Vrishabha, Naga,

Vishnu
Haravi Kallesvara Temple, Siva-linga, Vrishabha, Sapta-

matrikas, hero-stones
Hire-Bannihatti Ramalingesvara (later Chalukya period), Siva-

lingas, Naga, Vrishabha, and hero-stone
Holalagundi Jaina temple converted to Somesvara, Siddhesvara

Viresvara, Murada Siddhesvara Temples (later
Chalukyan period), Siva-lingas, Virabhadra,
Vrishabha and gaja-Lakshmi
Holalu Virabhadra, Gauri-Sankara, Anantasayana Vishnu,

Ave-Brahma (later Chalukya period); Anjaneya
Temple (Vijayanagara period); Virabhadra, hero-
stone, Siva-linga, Ave-Siva-linga, Naga and
Anjaneya sculptures
Hugaluru Ramalingesvara (Rashtrakuta period); images of

Vrishabha, Naga and Ganesa sculptures
43
Hadagali taluk
Kallesvara, Anjaneya sculptures (Chalukya period)
Siva-linga, Vrishabha and hero-stone
Kaganuru Lakshminarayana and Isvara Temples; Vrishabha,

Lakshmi-Narayana and Siva-linga
Kandagallu Kallesvara (Rashtrakuta period), Siva-linga, and

sculpture of Vrishabha
Katte Bennuru Kallesvara, Naryana and Jaina Temples (later

Chalukya period), Siva-linga, Vrishabhas and hero-
stones
Kotehalu Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period); Siva-

linga, images of Ganesa, Karttikeya, Sapta-
matrikas, Vrishabha and hero-stones
Mailara Heggappa, Ganesa, Mailaralingesvara Temple (later

Chalukya period), Siva-linga, images of Ganesa,
Bhairava and hero-stones
Mailara Ganesa Temple and Ganesa

KuruvattiRoad
Mudenuru Anjaneya and Devara Dasimayya Temples

(sixteenth-seventeenth century), Anjaneya and
Devara Dasimayya sculptures
Rajuvala Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Uma-

Mahesvara and hero-stone
44
Hadagali taluk
Shivalinganahalli Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-

(old village) linga, sculptures of Vrishabha, Bhairava, Bhairavi
Shivapura Anjaneya Temple (seventeenth-eighteenth century),

sculptures of Anjaneya, Vrishabha and Siva-linga
Sogi Virabhadra and Siva Temples (later Chalukya

period), Virabhadra, Siva-linga,Vrishabha, Naga,
gaja-Lakshmi
Tippapura Ishvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-linga,

Ganesa, Vrishabha and hero-stones
Uttangi Rajesvara and Srikantesvara Temples (later

Chalukya) Siva-linga and Vrishabha
Hagari Bommana taluk
Alaburu Early historical and medieval Gopala-Krishna,

Ramalingesvara and Isvara Temples; Gopala-
Krishna, Siva-linga and Naga sculptures
Ambali Anjaneya Temple, Anjaneya and hero-stones
Devara Timmalapura Isvara Temple, Siva-linga and sculptures of

Venkatesvara
Gaddikeri Anjaneya (fifteenth-sixteenth century) and Anjaneya,

go/a-Lakshmi
G.Kodihalli Siva Temple (later Chalukya period), Anjaneya and

Siva-linga
45
Hagari Bommana taluk
Kogali Neolithic, Mesolithic, Megalithic, microlithic tools,

grey ware, white painted black-and-red ware;
Virabhadra, Jaina and Kallesvara Temples;
sculptures of Virabhadra, Siva-linga, Tirthankara,
gaja-Lakshmi and Mahishamardini
Magala Mesolithic, Megalithic, early medieval/medieval,

microliths; black-and-red ware, black ware, red
ware; Lakshmi-Narasimha and Siva Temples (later
Chalukya period); Siva-linga, Lakshmi-Narasimha,
Ganesa, Naga and hero stones
Morigeri Megalithic and historical periods; Kallesvara,

Ramalingesvara and Male Mallesvara; Temples of
Brahma, Isvara Uddi-Basavesvara (later Chalukya
period), Siva-linga, Mahishamardini, Ganesa,
Vishnu, Brahma, Vrishabha and hero-stones
Sonna Isvara, Sollambika, Ramalingesvara Temple (later

Chalukya period) and Siva-linga
Harapana Halli taluk

Bagali Mesolithic, Megalithic, early historical and medieval
site; microlithic tools, burials, black-and-red ware,
red and black pottery; Sangamesvara (Rashtrakuta)
and Kallesvara Temples; Channa Basappa (later
Chalukya period); Ishta-linga (Hoysala period),
Virabhadra (fifteenth century), Lakshmi Narayana
(later Chalukya), Male Mallesvara Jaina Temple
converted to Mailaralingesvara Temple; Siva-linga;
sculptures of Vrishabha, Vishnu, Ganesa, Bhairava,
Bhairavi, Lakshmi Narayana, Surya, Sapta-matrika
Bandri Basavesvara Temple and Vrishabha
Devara Timmalapura Venkatesvara Temple (sixteenth century); sculptures

of Venkatesvara, Rangayya Doddayya, Lakshmi,
Sankaracharya, Madhvacharya
Hyarada Sangamesvara Temple, Siva-linga, icons of Bhairavi,

Vrishabha and hero-stones
Kanahalli Kallesvara Temple (Rashtrakuta period); Siva

Temple, Siva-linga, images of Bhairava-Bhairavi and
Vrishabha
Karikanahalli Early, medieval and historical remains, Temple and

sculpture of Anjaneya
Kulahalli Kotturesvara and Virabhadra Temples (sixteenth-

seventeenth century) and Virabhadra sculpture
Madalageri Neolithic, Mesolithic, megalithic, early historical

period; microliths, black-and-red ware, black ware
and red ware; Isvara, Kallesvara and Jaina Temples
(late Chalukya period), Siva-linga, icons of
Vrishabha, Karttikeya, Lakshmi and Parsvanatha
Maiduru Temple (eighteenth century) and sculpture of

Anjaneya
Muttagi Early historical and medieval site, Karttikeya and

Isvara Temples (later Chalukya period); Siva-linga,
Karttikeya and Anjaneya sculptures
47
NandiBevuru Basavesvara, Siva and Vishnu Temples; icons of

Ganesa, Seshasayi Vishnu, Naga and Vrishabha
Nilagunda Kallesvara and Isvara Temples; sculptures of

Anantasayana Vishnu, Siva-//«ga, Ganesa, Vishnu
and Vrishabha
22. EXPLORATION IN SHIGGON TALUK, DISTRICT

DHARWAD
S.K. Potnis of the Directorate of Archaeology in the course of village-to-village survey, explored the
and Museums, Government of Karnataka, Mysore, following sites of archaeological importance.
AnkalaKhana Kannada inscription of Kalyana Chalukya

Vikramaditya datable to AD 1090 and a well
datable to fourteenth-fifteenth century
B. Basapura An inscription in Devanagari
B. Kananakeri Kannada inscription of Kalyana Chalukya near the

Tank-bund and a sculpture of fourteenth-fifteenth
century
Bada Hanuman Temple in dilapidated condition with

inscribed hero-stone
Bannuru Kalmesvara Temple (thirteenth-fourteenth century)
Chandapura Basavanna Temple with Devanagari inscription and

hero-stone
48
Chikkamalluru Hero-stone with Kannada inscription near the Dundi

Basavesvara Temple; huge nandi pillar with
Kannada inscription of Yadava Singhona
(circa AD) 1224)
Chikkanelluru
Gangenoor Isvara Temple, two hero-stones and sculptures
Ganjibhavi Ramalingesvara Temple and Lajjagauri
Ganjigatti Kalmesvara Temple (twelfth-thirteenth century);

three sculptured hero-stones
HaleBada Ruins of Isvara Temple (fifteenth-sixteenth century)

Ranganathasvamy Temple, Kalmesvara and Maruti
Temples (thirteenth-fifteenth century)
Hanumarahalli Kannada inscription and sculptures
HireBandigeri Ruins of Kalmesvara Temple (twelfth century); Naga

stones; two Kannada inscriptions of Kalyana
Chalukya (AD 1126 and 1143); Kannada inscription
near Kordana-matha of Kalyana Chalukya
VikramadityaVI
Hiremalluru Maruti and Basavanna Temples of fifteenth-sixteenth

century; Kannada inscription (AD 1037)
49
Hotturu Ruined Basavanna Temple; two Kannada inscriptions

of Kalyana Chalukya (AD 1037 to 1087); two
Kannada inscriptions one of sixteenth-seventeenth
century and the second datable to AD 1008, three
inscribed hero-stones
Hulasogi Isvara Temple in Chalukyan style and four sculptures
Hunagund Inscription of Kalyana Chalukya Somesvara near

the tank-bund and six sculptures
Jakkanakatti Kannada inscription of fifteenth century
Kalyana Sculptures of Sapta-matrika and Bhairavi (sixteenth-

seventeenth century)
Kankanavada Inscribed slab in Kannada; gaja-Lakshmi panel of

thirteenth-fourteenth century
Khursapura Sculpture (sixteenth-seventeenth century) and

padukas
Kylakonda Rashtrakuta pillars; in the premises of the Virabhadra

Temple; four sculptures and two Naga stones
Motahalli Isvara Temple with inscribed hero-stone in three

panels (twelfth-thirteenth century)
Munavalli Small Isvara Temple with inscription (eighth century);

gaja-Lakshmi in Bas relief and pillars (twelfth-
thirteenth century), hero-stone and inscriptions of
Kalyana Chalukya
50
Villaze/Site Nature of remains
Narayanapura Basavanna Temple with Kannada Inscription

(twelfth-thirteenth century) and hero-stone
Sadeshivapet Kannda inscription near a pond, two sculptures in

Saiva-matha (fourteenth century) and two hero-
stones
Shahabagar Hoysalesvara Temple with three inscriptions

(AD 1190)
23. EXCAVATION AT BUDIHAL, DISTRICT GULBARGA cattle-penning. The work revealed that the Neolithic
In continuation of the previous season's work people carefully prepared sandstone surface before
(1995-96, pp. 40-41), K. Paddayya of the Deccan using it for cattle-penning. The uneven patches were
College Post-graduate and Research Institute, Pune, filled with stone rubble and brown soil mixed with
undertook further excavation at the Neolithic ash- some amount of fine ash. The whole surface was made
mound site of Budihal. The principal objective of this stable and even by intentional ramming.
season's excavation was to obtain additional structural
The work also brought to light stratigraphical and
and stratigraphical evidence for cattle-penning activity
sedimentary data pertaining to cattle-penning activities.
from the lower ash-mound at locality I.
Unlike the actual ash-mound area to the west which
For this purpose an area measuring about 744 sq consists of nearly 4m thick deposit of vitrified ashes
m was selected. This portion of the site lay immediately and decomposed cow-dung, the cattle-penning area
to the south of Trench 8 excavated in the last season. It has a thin deposit measuring only about a metre in
was part of a larger area from where the villagers had thickness. This deposit consisted of seven thin layers
previously quarried soil for various construction activities. or lenses of soft ash, granular ash, decomposed cow-
This digging exposed sediments varying from about a dung and carbonaeous material, all measuring 8 cm
metre to 50 cm in thickness. Much of the soil was quarried to 20 cm in thickness. Unlike the thick and uneven
away by the people, leaving behind only the bottom 15 layers of the actual ash-mound, these layers are
cm to 20 cm deposit. The work during the current season horizontally spread out. They merely represent the
basically involved excavation of the remaining deposit to thin left over deposits of cow-dung which, together
understand how the Neolithic settlers prepared the with the dried and decayed thorny plant material used
landsurface when they first occupied the site. for fencing the penning area, were burnt so as to make
the penning area hygenic and ready for the next
Of the total area selected for work, an area of episode of cattle-penning. It is important to note here
366 sq m was part of the lower ash-mound used for that open air pens with hard surface and a thorny fence
51
around are still commonly used in the area for penning lenticular sockets of 38 cm length to accommodate
sheep/goat and cattle. suchis of lenticular cross section, on their lateral sides;
four on each side provided with inter space of 8 cm.
The remaining area of 378 sq m formed part of There are also corner uprights with sockets on two
the human settlement. The deposit here consisted of sides on either side of the entrances. The suchis of
typical greyish habitation soil. Cultural material 45 cm length are shown with fully bloomed lotus
comprising pottery, chert blades and other stone tools medallions at the exterior, projected slightly away from
and animal bones were found scattered all over the the lenticular body with sufficient uncarved lateral
area. The clearance work also exposed remnant floor edges to fit into the sockets of the verticals. The
patches belonging to dwelling structures. In particular, verticals are held in position by a converse ushnisa
attention may be drawn to two spots where remains of or coping, which is also decorated meticulously with
circular or oval huts (each measuring 4 to 5 m across) animal and floral motifs. The pradakshinapatha all
were found in the form of clay or ash-floors, rubber- along the stupa is disturbed at places and is found laid
stones, chert blades, quern pieces and faunal material. between the inner edge of the railings and the outer
edge of the lower medhi with more or less uniform
24. EXCAVATION AT KANAGANAHALLI, DISTRICT
square or rectangular slabs. The pradakshinapatha
GULBARGA
is found choked with disturbed members of the ayaka
In continuation of trial-excavation carried out platforms, the collapsed railing parts, heavily leaning
earlier (1994-95, pp. 37-39), the Bangalore Circle medhi slabs and collapsed upper medhi and anda
of the Survey, under K.P.Poonacha, assisted by units. The stupa extent upto the lower medhi level
T.M.Keshava, M.V.Visweswara, C.S.Seshadri and had huge sculptural panels depicting the dharma-
Meghraj Hadpad, took up large-scale excavation chakra, stupa models, and Simhasana, Bodhi-
towards east, west, south-east and south-west of the vriksha and Muchilinda naga as encasing members.
Stupa that has been partly exposed earlier. One 'L' Each panel positioned with edge-to-edge locking
shaped trench in the north-south and east-west running system stands to a height of 1.20 m with a width of
arms of the core of the stupa was also laid to know 1.20 m, is decorated with a slender pilaster at the
the nature of core filling and the possibility of finding borders, which have the symbol of stupa, tree in railing
the reliquary. and elegant sculptures of female chauri-bearers.
Some of these are in situ at south, east and west. It is
The excavation in the east, west and south at disturbed in the other directions exposing the core of
cardinal directions has brought to light offset entrances the lower medhi. The medhi is built of dressed
provided with chandrasila (pl. XVI). At the western limestone members with lime-mortar as the binding
and southern entrances a pedestal (obviously to material. In the cardinal directions, i.e., east, west
accommodate the sculpture of Yaksha) is encountered. and south, the lower medhi has projections, rather
The railing of the stupa is placed 3.95 m away from ayaka platforms corresponding to the entrances,
the medhi, has equidistantly placed uprights 45 cm which measured 3.20 m x 2.60 m x 1.50 m. The
away from one another. These uprights have a plain ayaka platform especially at west have exquisite
interior surface and are treated with fully blown lotus rendering of Muchilinda naga, dharma-chakra and
medallions on the exterior. These uprights have Bodhi-vriksha. Some of these sculptured panels are
53
inscribed in Brahmi characters of first to third century cornice slabs, coping members, animal friezes, three
AD, recording the donations made from a trader to a seated sculptures of Buddha (pl. XVII D) and many
commoner. The ayaka platform on the south and sculptured friezes are recovered.
west has accommodated a colossal standing sculpture
As many as fifty inscriptions are found from
of Buddha over a pedestal (pl. XVII A). The ayaka
different architectural units of the stupa right from the
platform on the east had accommodated a sculpture
railing to the medhi slabs. Almost all the inscriptions
of seated Buddha and fluted ayaka pillars. The ayaka
are donatory in nature and two distinct palaeographic
platforms were veneered with sculptured friezes
chronology could be tentatively assigned.
narrating the events pertaining to the life of Buddha
viz., the birth, the great renunciation, the enlightenment, Apart from the inscriptions and architectural
the first sermon and the parinirvana. members, eighteen lead coins, all of Satavahana period
were retrieved. Most of them belong to the reign
There is an offset 75 cm above the lower medhi period of Sri Satakarni. Further work is in progress
over which the upper medhi rises. The upper medhi to expose the stupa completely and to study its
extends only at few places. The upper medhi has articulations vis-a-vis the epigraphical and numismatic
sculptured panels having a height of 2.80 m and a evidences.
width of 1.20 m. These panels are leaning on the
anda and are held in position by a collar and a cornice 25. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT GULBARGA
at the bottom. The cornice has a fluted top surface K.Paddayya of the Deccan College Post-
containing inscription. The front surface is decorated graduate and Research Institute, Pune, in
with railing motifs. Only a few mutilated upper medhi continuation of his prolonged Lower Palaeolithic
slabs are in situ. Most of these sculptured slabs are research in the Hunsgi Valley, District Gulbarga,
mutilated into several fragments and fallen on the carr ied out intensive geoar chaeological
pradakshinapatha along with anda members and investigations at the Acheulian site of Isampur (Lat.
cornices. These upper medhi slabs interlocked similar 16°30'N; Long. 76°29'E). This season's fieldwork
to lower medhi slabs are carved in three panels and brought to light fr esh evidence r egar ding
are magnificently treated with key events of a popular geoarchaeological context and functional affiliations
jataka like Vidhurapandita jataka, Kapi jataka, of the site.
Vesantara jataka and Sanjiniya jataka. Most of
The site lies about a kilometre away from the
these jatakas have label inscriptions assignable to
shale-limestone plateau edge and about a quarter
circa first-second century AD.
kilometre away from the Kamta Halla, one of the
The anda, and chhatra part of the stupa is feeders of the Hunsgi nala. It is situated on the
disturbed in its elevation. The architectural members limestone pediment surface covered with 1.5 m to
are found scattered all over the pradakshinapatha 2 m thick brown kankary silt, which is in turn
and beyond the railing. overlain by 1 m to 1.5 m thick black soil. The tool-
bearing horizon was exposed because of soil
During excavation, many Buddha-padas quarrying activities and also erosion caused by field
(pl.XVII B), fragments of chhatras (pl. XVII C), channels. The site covers an oval-shaped patch
55
measuring about 40 m across. A large number of primary context. Further, from the small number of
limestone artefacts comprising cores, massive finished artefacts and the preponderance of cores and
flakes, waste flakes and hammerstones were found flakes, it would seem that this spot served as a quarry
scattered all over the area. from where limestone blocks, forming part of the
bed-rock, were pulled out and used for preparing
Two test pits were excavated and Test Pit 1 block-outs which could be transported to
(3 sq m in extent) revealed the following occupation sites for being transformed into regular
stratigraphy: layer (1) sticky blackish silt (10 cm to tools. It is probably for the first time a quarry site of
15 cm); layer (2) thin colluvial gravel lens yielding this kind has been found in the context of the Indian
Middle Palaeolithic artefacts (5 cm to 8 cm); layer Lower Palaeolithic culture in India.
(3) Acheulian horizon (20 cm to 25 cm) comprising
about 200 fresh artefacts and layer (4) limestone 26. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT SOUTH KANAKA
bed-rock. H.T.Talwar of the Directorate of Archaeology
and Museums, Government of Karnataka, Mysore,
From the fresh nature of artefacts and presence noticed during the course of his exploration, the
of a large number of cores and debitage material, it is following sites in the Mangalore Thermal Plant area in
very clear that the Acheulian cultural material is in its
Udupi taluk, District South Kanara.
Site Nature of remains
Baramudi Subrahmanyam Temple and sculpture (sixteenth

century)
Nandikur Durgaparamesvari Temple (circa tenth century) and

sculpture of Durga (sixteenth century)
Palimaru Mahalingesvara and Gopalakrishna Temples;

sculpture of Ganesa, Janardana, Nandi and Siva-
linga (sixteenth century) and inscription of
Vijayanagara period
KERALA excavation at Kunnukara (Kunnu-Kara—a hillock and

a land). This protohistoric site 12.20 m above sea
27. E XCAVATION AT K UNNUKARA , D ISTRICT
level is situated 8 km north-west of Alway. The site
ERNAKUI AM
lies on the low sloping laterite formation and is 2 km
The Director of Archaeology, Government of west of Manjalilake - a tributary of River Periyar.
Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, conducted a trial- The laterite formation is dark brown and soft at the
56
top level, while it is reddish and hard at the lower In addition to the above, some inscriptions on
level. While removing the laterite soil, a group of urn- the eastern wall and one inscription on the western
burials were exposed, resulting in the discovery of wall of the Edakkal Cave, were also noticed.
fourteen iron implements comprising wedges, swords
and knives. Pottery from the site consists of huge urns In short it appears that the inscriptions of
(h. 90-95 cm, dia. lm) and medium-sized jars. Edakkal Cave were inscribed in different ages from
third to fifth century, after the decline of early
28. EXCAVATION AT EDAKKAL CAVE, AMBALAVAYAL, Kurumbas. These people settled there from 600 BC
DISTRICT WYNADU
to the second century, posterior to which the
Wynadu, one of the fourteen districts in Kerala Buddhists and Jaina people used the cave as their
is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous religious centre.
plateau in the Western Ghats. It lies between
ll o 2 6 ' H "a ndll o 4 8 ' 22 "Na nd7 5 °4 6 '3 8 "a nd There were more than three hundred megalithic
76°26'11"E. monuments noticed and identified in the foothills of
Edakkal Cave itself mainly represented by cist-
Historians are of the view that organized human
burials. Most of the caves are used by the migrants
life existed in these parts at least ten centuries before
of Wynadu for their plantation and house
Christ. Plenty of evidences of the New Stone Age
construction.
can be seen among the hills of Wynadu, especially at
Edakkal Caves. MADHYA PRADESH
The Edakkal Caves are at Ambukutti Mala near
29. EXPLORATION NEAR KERWA DAM, BHOPAL,
Ambalavayal in Nenmeni village of Sulthan Batheri DISTRICT BHOPAL
taluk of District Wynadu. Ambukutti Mala is at 12 km
south of Sulthan Bathery. The ancient carvings in the Archaeological explorations were carried out
natural caves at Edakkal, speak of highly civilized on the hillocks, lakes and lake valleys near Kerwa
people of pre-historic ages and inspire the Dam, Mendauri and Neelbud near Bhopal by the
archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Department of Ancient History, Culture and
Wynadu. Archaeology, University of Allahabad, Allahabad.
The archaeological team consisted of S.C.
The excavations conducted by the State Bhattacharya, V.D. Misra, J.N. Pal, Prakash Sinha
Archaeological Department, Government of Kerala, and M.C. Gupta assisted by L.K. Tewari, Rajendra
in the upper cave at Edakkal, revealed a round shaped Prasad and Sharad Suman. During this exploration
hard granite stone implement, along with pieces of several localities of primary context sites of
charcoal and fragments of pottery. Acheulian, Middle Palaeolithic and Mesolithic
cultures were located. Distribution pattern of
Besides, the Upper Cave of Edakkal revealed a
artefacts on primary context sites was recorded
series of paintings on the walls of the caves.
and the nature of geological formation was studied.
These comprise Sun and magical symbols, Plottings were done to know the nature of colluvial
human figures (female), animal figures, motifs of flora deposits on the banks of the lake.
and fauna, cart with wheels, etc.
57
The ridge of Sharda Vihar-2, west of the road present expedition was organized. Explorations
and school campus, SV2 (77 °21' 3"; 23°11’0”) carried out in this area confirmed the earlier
is flat on the top but sloping on northern and southern observation regarding the occurrence of Lower
sides. On the northern slope of the ridge, some Palaeolithic artefacts in Sharda Vihar campus. The
digging was done for the construction of building stratigraphy as indicated earlier was also confirmed.
material, as a result of which there was exposure of It was revealed that the boulder bed was the colluvial
old formation. deposit. The exploration in the area led to the
discovery of a number of sites described below,
On the base, there was a murram deposit, ranging from Lower Palaeolithic to Mesolithic period.
capped by a boulder bed containing rounded
boulders, medium to small-sized boulders, flakes, etc. Sharda Vihar (SV1) 77° 21' 45"; 23° 11' 0"
This boulder was full of quartzite blocks of various (east of the road along with water tank) is located to
sizes. A few Lower Palaeolithic artefacts like cleavers, the left of Bhopal-Kerwa Road and east of the Sharda
handaxes, flakes, etc., were found behind the Vihar campus. It is a primary context factory site where
administrative block of the school. Further explorations cores, flakes, debitage and finished tools are found in
in the area revealed that the road in front of Acharya an extensive area right from the neck of the hillock
Prashikshan Kendra was full of Lower Palaeolithic upto the road in the west. Artefacts are often found in
artefacts. This was due to the fact that the material clusters, indicating that the Lower Palaeolithic man
used for building the road—murram and boulder manufactured the tools at different spots. The lithic
were obtained from the south of the existing building. assemblage comprise cores, flakes, handaxes,
In fact from the foot of the building, the casual cleavers, scrapers, etc., fashioned on quartzite and
exploration revealed that the boulder bed under sandstone (pl. XVIII). As these artefacts (pl. XIX A)
discussion contained Lower Palaeolithic artefacts. This are found almost in the area of their manufacture they
boulder bed was capped with yellowish loamy soil or have undergone only the weathering impact; generally
hill wash. This stratigraphy was also observed on the the tools are in mint condition.
other side of Bhopal-Kerwa Road where on account
Mendauri (MDR1) Lat. 77° 21' 5"; Long. 23°
of digging for murram, sections have been exposed
10' 55" (west of school campus), is located to the
at many places. The bed-rock is also exposed. In this
west of Sharda Vihar campus and it runs up to the
area it was observed that the geological units comprised
margin of the depression lying to the west. This area
from bottom to top: i) Weathered shale, ii) Boulder
is now under cultivation but the cultivated fields are
bed and iii) Yellowish deposit, probably hill wash.
full of stone pieces. An exploration in the area resulted
In this area also, the boulder bed yielded Lower in the discovery of Middle Palaeolithic artefacts
Palaeolithic artefacts. This occurrence of the Lower fashioned on quartzite (pl. XIX B). The cultivated
Palaeolithic tools in the area indicated that if a planned fields under discussion are of black soil full of cracks
exploration was carried out, significant information but it becomes sticky in contact with water. The
could be obtained regarding the Lower Palaeolithic occurrence of Lower Palaeolithic tools on higher level
culture around Bhopal in general and around Sharda in this area and those of Middle Palaeolithic from the
Vihar campus in particular. With this point in view, the lower level is noteworthy.
59
Mendauri (MDR2) 77° 21'45"; 23° 10'35" Towards the northern side of the area there was
(south of Sharda Vihar school campus near lake higher concentration of artefacts and therefore an
area), is the southern slope of Sharda Vihar ridge. area of 30 m x 50 m was taken up in 1 m x 1 m
The lower portion of this is presently covered with squares, and artefacts were plotted to ascertain their
bamboo plantation. Exploration in the area led to distribution pattern.
the discovery of Lower and Middle Palaeolithic
artefacts. These tools are in mint condition and are A small trial-trench (2 m x 2 m) was also laid
fashioned on quartzite and sandstone. For out in the south-east corner of gridded area, almost in
manufacturing the Middle Palaeolithic artefacts fine- the centre of the site to ascertain the depth at which
grained quartzite has been preferred. The nature of the artefacts could be found. These were found upto
the industry clearly indicates that these artefacts were the depth of 70 cm. The excavation revealed only the
locally manufactured. The sandstone artefacts exhibit sticky black cotton soil upto the depth of 1.50 cm.
weathered appearance while those fashioned on As shown in other areas of recent digging, it is a thick
quartzite are generally fresh. formation of several meters in the lake-bed.
The artefacts were mostly fashioned on quartzite.

The occurrence of the Lower and Middle
However, a few pieces of basalt resemble the Middle
Palaeolithic industry on the southern slope of
Palaeolithic artefacts. It is not unlikely that the Middle
Sharda Vihar indicates that barring the central and
Palaeolithic artefacts were fashioned occasionally on
higher portion of the ridge both the slopes of ridges
basalt as well. But as this rock is more prone to
are characterized by the occurrence of stone
weathering such tools are heavily weathered.
artefacts.
Kerwa (KRW2) Lat. 77° 21' 55"; Long.23°
To the south of the slope of Sharda Vihar (SSV)
10' 10" (opposite KRW1, in the centre of the lake).
77° 21' 50"; 23° 10' 30"ridge, there is a low-lying
There are two small and low lying ridges abutting the
area, characterized by black cotton soil. The southern
lake on the south. These ridges are characterized by
end of this part of the lake is demarcated by a low
basalt boulders. During the exploration, the eastern
lying ridge abutting the lake (Kerwa Dam lake) while
ridge yielded microliths and Middle Palaeolithic
the northern margin is marked by the toe of the
artefacts, the latter fashioned on quartzite and
Sharda Vihar ridge. While the Sharda Vihar ridge is
occasionally on sandstone. The microliths are not in
composed of sandstone, the basalt boulder
good number suggesting that the area was not
characterizes the southern ridge. The lake-bed in
frequently visited by the megalithic people. However,
question yielded Middle Palaeolithic artefacts
the Middle Palaeolithic artefacts were found in good
comprising cores, flakes and tools. The assemblage
number and generally in mint fresh condition thereby
is fashioned on fine-grained quartzite. Some of the
suggesting the area being frequently visited by Middle
artefacts found in this area might have sloped down
Palaeolithic man and that these were locally
from Sharda Vihar ridge while some from the other
manufactured.
side. But the area itself was the zone of activity of
Middle Palaeolithic man as is evident from the mint On the southern slope of these ridges abutting
fresh artefacts of different sizes. the lake, stone-circles characterized by basalt boulders
were noticed. On enquiry from the local people, it occurrence or the non-occurrence of artefacts in the
was known that as per local custom, the dead children field under cultivation lying at the base of the temple
are buried and the burial spot is covered with boulders ridge, exploration was conducted in the fields. It was
so that the dead body might not be disturbed by found, as in the case of MDR-1, MDR-T also yielded
animals. This practice may be a survival of the Middle Palaeolithic artefacts. The available evidence
megalithic tradition in the area, though in restricted suggests that the entire area between the Sharda Vihar
way, as this type of burial is confined only to children. ridge on the south and the Temple ridge on the north
was operated upon by the Middle Palaeolithic man.
Kerwa (KRW1) 77° 22' 10"; 23° 10' 5" is
located to the east of the Bhopal-Kerwa Road near Neelbad (NBD) 77° 21' 0"; 23° 11' 30" is
the house of Abdul Wahid Khan, a contractor of located at a distance of about 11 km from Bhopal to
Bhopal. The exploration team followed a track used the east of the Bhopal-Sehor Road and north-east of
for carrying murram. The exploration resulted in the Hindustan Petroleum Gas Store. The area was
discovery of Lower and Middle Palaeolithic artefacts explored to ascertain whether this area was also visited
fashioned on quartzite and sandstone. It was also by Lower/Middle Palaeolithic man or not, because
found that as in the case of Sharda Vihar 1, the area this was the part of ridge which was across the lake
dug for obtaining murram has exposed a section towards west and south. This curiosity arose because
comprising murram bed at the base; boulder bed the three sites of Sharda Vihar valley, southern, eastern
capping the murram bed and loam or hill wash and northern, were characterized by the Lower/Middle
deposit. Palaeolithic artefacts.
Near the Kerwa Dam the section revealed that

The exploration resulted in the discovery of
the so called murram bed is in fact the disintegration Middle Palaeolithic artefacts on quartzite and
of shale-rock formation. occasionally on sandstone. It is to be noted that the
Exploration in this area indicates that on the area is marked by basalt boulder. The quartzite pieces
southern side, the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic were brought from outside by the Middle Palaeolithic
people have made their presence felt through their man. The assemblage is characterized by freshness.
artefacts upto the bank of the Kerwa. The artefacts are in mint condition. It may also be
noted that no Lower Palaeolithic artefact was found
Mendauri (MDR-T) Lat. 77° 21' 10" E; Long. in this area.
23° 11' 3 " N; is located to the north of Sharda Vihar
ridge. This ridge is also an extension of the main hillock. Barkheri (BKR) a Middle Palaeolithic primary
The area was explored with a view to ascertaining context factory site, located in District Sagar on both
the occurrence or non-occurrence of Lower/Middle sides of Sagar-Bhopal Road at a distance of 32 km
Palaeolithic artefacts. It was argued that if Sharda from Sagar is on a low rocky surface near a nala
Vihar ridge was visited by the Lower Palaeolithic man which separates the site from a low lying ridge. The
why not the temple ridge? The exploration resulted in Middle Palaeolithic artefacts fashioned on quartzite
the discovery of Lower and Middle Palaeolithic were collected here. The site is littered with broken
artefacts on the ridge. With a view to ascertaining the pieces of quartz pebbles.
62
30. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT MANDLA have been noticed. About 2 m thick soil deposition
The Department of Ancient Indian History, within this 160 m long and 62 m wide cave needs
Culture and Archaeology of the H.S. Gour University, systematic excavations.
Sagar, conducted explorations in Mandla, under the
direction of V.D. Jha, assisted by K.K. Tripathi and The artefacts include handaxe, chopper, chopping
P.K. Shukla. tool, cleaver, scraper and hammerstone.
Located between Lat. 22° 12' N to 23° 22' N; Middle Stone Age implements were collected
Long. 80° 18'E to 81° 50' E, the district comprises from Ghudawamada, Deora, Raipura, Piparia,
an area of 13257 sq km. The wild hilly district, Limrua, Phitari, Kosamghat, Dagona and Banjara.
interspersed with spurs of the Satpura and the Naga The former two appear to be factory sites. The
hills, lies in catchment of River Narmada and is full of tool-kit includes scraper, handaxe, point and
valleys of the River Banjar, Burhner, Kharamer and hammerstone.
a number of small streams. Out of the five tehsils only
The Upper Palaeolithic settlements were noticed
Mandla, Nainpur and Dindori have been explored.
at Kudwan, Raipura, Umaria, Sakawah Kalan,
Base camps, factory sites and artefacts of Stone Ages;
Limrua, Chatua, Andai and Lafra. All these sites are
early medieval stupas; medieval shrines, sculptures
located at the foot of the hillocks with abundant
and water reservoirs have been brought to light.
resources of water and plants, and are on the level
Lower Palaeolithic artefacts on sandstone, higher than the formations made by the rivers and
quartzite, chert and dolerite have been noticed at streamlets. These are the open air sites. Every site
Ghudawamada, Deora, Fonk, Phitari, Medha, yielded lumps of raw material, waste products, finished
Kosamghat, Sijhora and Piparia. Excepting Deora and and unfinished tools. Seventy-one stone-paved circular
Ghudawamada, the tools have been collected from floors having unhewn blocks at the periphery, covering
the river bed. At Deora tools have been found in cluster an area of about 2 sq km, have been noticed at
on the surface around a small hillock near River Sakwah Kalan. Thirty-four such floors, extending in
Narmada. The accompanying unfinished implements, an area of more than a kilometer were discovered at
hammerstone and cortexed tools exhibit that Deora Andai, whereas Kudwan revealed thirty-nine such
served as a work camp. floors. The stone-paved floors near a natural lake at
Chatua was almost destroyed by human activities
Ghudawamada Cave, located on the midway of associated particularly with agriculture. The settlements
a higher hill, covered with dense forest served as a at Limrua, Raipura, Lafra and Umaria are also on the
base camp. A streamlet flowing near the cave and verge of extinction. Handaxe, point, perforator, blade,
River Silgi, 4 km from the cave, fulfilled the needs of burin, scraper, pick, chisel, arrow tip, knife, crescent,
the Stone Age man. Ecologically, the Ghudawamada hammerstone on jasper, agate, chalcedony, quartz and
region is ideal for supporting hunting-gathering people. fine quartzite formed the tool-kit. Deora,
Lower and Middle Palaeolithic implements, both Ghudawamada, Sailwar, Phitari, Singhpur, Bilgaon
finished and unfinished, chips, chunks and a huge Mai, Dagona, Bhimrundan, Mohti, Hirdenagar and
retouched chert block in situ (measuring 86 x 34 cm) Patangarh also yielded artefacts.
The mesolithic tools including arrow-head, blade, only. An icon of five-headed, ten-armed Hanuman
scraper, blade-core, burin, chisel, point, knife and yeilding mace in his front left hand, fashioned during
crescent were picked up from Piparia, Raipura, the twelfth-thirteenth century AD is also noteworthy.
Sakwah Kalan, Sailwar, Chatua, Lafra, Umaria, The image is enshrined in a small modern platform at
Limrua, Singhpur, Bhimrundhan, Jhanki, Sitaraptan, Samnapur.
Karanjia, Chauradadar, Sonatirath, Kisalpuri,
Small tank (12.50 m east-west and 14.20 m
Kakaiya, Kukurramath, Khamarkhudra and
north-south) lined with dressed stone- blocks and a
Hirdenagar. Stone-block with graffiti marks have been
flight of five steps was built at Sonatirath near the
noticed at village Sarwahi. The site yielded unfinished
temple site during the tenth century AD. Another water
Neolithic implements also.
reservoir of eleventh century AD lined with chiselled
Two devastated brick-stupas assignable to circa stone-blocks, has been noticed near the temple site
first century were noticed. The stupa located on the at Sailwar.
eastern corner of the village in a locality known as
31. E XCAVATION AT K UTWAR, DISTRICT MORENA
Andhiari Jhapa was initially built during circa first
century and was renovated later. The existing height In continuation of the last year's work (1995-96,
of the structure is 2.30 m which contains forty courses p.47), the Bhopal Circle of the Survey, under the
ofbricks. Another stupa, noticed at Khursipura locality direction of A.K. Sinha, assisted by Narayan Vyas,
on the western corner of the village, has a Manuel Joseph, K.K. Rai, Nitin Shrivastava, Virendra
circumference of 15.10 m at the base. Singh and Sanjay Shrivastava, resumed excavations
at KTR-3 and KTR-4. KTR-4 is located on a flat
The only intact medieval temple in the region terrain in the outskirts of the village. KTR-4 is located
explored is at Kukarramath. Another temple on the right bank of Asan river. In KTR-3 from
renovated during the present century is located at bottom upwards, Period-I was represented by a pre-
Singhpur. In addition to these, remains of medieval PGW stratum identifiable with black-and-red ware,
temples have been noticed at Tantargaon, Bajag black-slipped ware and dull wares with cord
Padaria, Khamhi, Mohti, Karanjia, Sonatirath, impressions, hi the limited area excavated at the depth
Khamharkhudra, Sailwar, Patangarh, Dhanoli, only a few random post-holes could be identified. On
Kisalpuri, Bhalwara, Mahandwani, Padmi, examination of the natural soil the amelioration of
Hirdenagar, Jhulpur, Umaria, Dei and Bhima. All these aridity, which served as an impetus for the earliest
shrines are made of local stone. settlers could be understood by the superimposition
of lacustrine sediments on the semi-arid sandy
Medieval sculptures of Brahmanical deities calcretion layer. In Period-II the continuation of the
including Saiva, Vaishnava, Saura, Brahma and Sakta above mentioned pottery along with the PGW, shows
pantheons have been discovered at above mentioned continuity. A large number of post-holes, frequent
sites. In addition to these, the icons of Brahmanical burning activity besides crude iron objects, were also
deities have also been noticed at Mandla town, observed. Significantly, NBPW which forms the
Kakaiya, Bilgaon, Sakka, Deogaon and Purwa. Icons hallmark pottery of Period-Ill is found from the middle
of Jaina Tirthankara have been noticed at Kukarramath
of Period-II. However, Period- III is delineated by
the absence of PGW. Whereas the black-and-red However, it could be affirmed on the basis of the
ware, black-slipped ware continue. This period pottery and antiquities mainly comprising broken
inclusive of the Mauryan deposit therefore, contains terracotta figurines and beads that the structure might
red wares with loop-handle, lug-handle and round have been built not earlier than the fourth-fifth century.
collared-rim with lip. Houses were made of stones,
bound by mud-mortar. Wattle-and-daub residential 32. EXCAVATION AT SANCHI,DISTRICT RAISEN
structures were also observed. In continuation of the last year's work (1995-96,
pp.47-48), the Bhopal Circle of the Survey, under the
In Period IV besides the obvious changes in
direction of A.K. Sinha, assisted by Narayan Vyas, D.
pottery from the Sunga to Kushan stratum, the sudden
Dayalan, Rekha Radha Ballabhi, R.K. Shrivastava,
disappearance of black-and-red ware, black-slipped
K.K. Rai, C.K. Bhanarkar, resumed excavation on
ware is noteworthy. The structural activity continued
the south-east of Structure No.8. It continued to expose
in stone although wattle-and- daub houses were also
the extension on the south and the west. The excavation
common. In the early part of this period, the village
revealed that the area had witnessed the structural
was engulfed by a conflagration as seen by burnt
activities in brick between circa first century to fourth-
wattle-and-daub walls noticed in KTR-3 and KTR-
fifth century AD as three monastic-complexes were
4. The Period V has yielded Gupta period remains,
exposed one above the other. These structures were
prominent among them are sealings, sprinklers and
mainly built of hammer dressed-stones in mud-mortar.
beads at KTR-3, the habitational endeavours were
Interestingly, one punch-marked coin, one hundred and
again taken up only in the medieval period when
seventy-six silver coins in a hoard of Saka-Kshatrapas
isolated hutments in stone were made.
and three pre-Mughal copper coins were found from
different levels, besides terracotta beads, iron nails,
KTR-4 has also the same sequence of culture.
clamps and other minor antiquities.
In Period I however, the strata yielded a few
microlithic blades and debitage. Also remarkable in 33. EXCAVATION AT SATDHARA, DISTRICT RAISEN
Period III strata is the finding of mud-bricks and
greater density of ring-wells compared to KTR-3. In In continuation of the last year's work {1995-96,
KTR-4 the Period VI is very vibrantly marked by the pp.48-50), the Bhopal Circle of the Survey, under
presence of stone and lime-mortar structures. The floor the direction of A.K. Sinha, assisted by Narayan
and the walls were also plastered with lime. Pieces of Vyas, Manuel Joseph, A.K. Soni, R.K. Shrivastava,
glazed ware besides Ming blue and white porcelain K.K. Rai, Jagdish Prashad, O.B. Khobragade, C.K.
was also found. In this site from Period III onwards a Bhanarkar and S.K. Verma, resumed excavation
large number of bone points and iron objects were around Stupa 1, besides Stupas 4, 6 and 7. On
found. Beads and bangles in diverse material increase excavating the layers contemporary to the stone
in number in the later cultures. medhi upto the bed-rock, the constructional history
of the stupa came to light. The earliest is a brick
Excavation at Surya Tekri was also taken up stupa with a path of one or two courses, depending
keeping in view the local legend that Pandava's on the surface undulations. Later, the stone anda of
mother Kunti had invited the Sun god at this spot. the enlarged stupa was built over this pradakshina-
65
patha. The sequence of layers besides the non- deep bowl were also collected. The NBPW
interlocking of the anda with the berm architectural assemblage comprised different shades—steel grey,
members shows that the latter was built after a blue, orange, tan, silver, buff etc. A few sherds in
passage of time. Above the working level coeval double colour were also found. Among other shapes
with that of brick stupa, a well-defined layer of mention may be made of lid in NBPW, and basin
brickbats sloping away form the stupa indicates with externally collared concave neck, and vase
towards destruction by human agency after which with externally thickened rim in red ware. Some
the stone encasement was done. Pieces of elephant pottery disc of NBPW were also found. Some
figure with Mauryan polish was found within the filling grey and black-and-red ware sherds were also
of the stone casing, again indicating towards collected from the site.
destruction at the site prior to renewed construction.
Major collection comprised red ware jar,
The pottery collected may safely be bracketed convex-sided dish, shallow bowls, footed and
chronologically between second and first century BC. perforated basin with white substance in the base,
The excavation at Stupas 4, 6 and 7 indicated that shallow basin with internally bevelled-rim, shallow
these were built on a platform by arranging boulders basin with externally thickened/collared-rim, basin
one above the other to maintain a level. All the three with sloping-rim characterized by an external ridge
stupas, as per the indications available, have medhi at the shoulder, cooking vessels with sharply
and pradakshinapatha around. carinated and angular rim, constricted neck and wide
mouth; a few with soot marks at the base; miniature
34. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT REWA vase or tumbler with applique notched designs
The team of archaeologists from the Allahabad around waist, miniature vase with externally beaded-
University consisting of V.D. Misra, J.N. Pal, rim, pans with marked carination at the belly with
Ramakant Singh, Rajendra Prasad, Sharad Suman sagger to round base, medium-sized vases with
and Arvind Malviya conducted exploration in concave neck and externally beaded, clubbed or
Teonthar sub-division of District Rewa and collared-rim, large-sized storage-jars with nail-
discovered an important early historical site at Amil headed externally clubbed or collared-rim, marked
Koni(Long. 81° 40' 12"E;Lat. 25° 30'00" N) by concavity on the interior; storage-jars with high
on the right bank of the Tons river. The site is at a concave neck distinguished by marked external
distance of 57 km south from Allahabad. It is an grooves or ridges; lid with central buttoned- knob;
oblong mound with maximum height of about 14 m pear-shaped vase with externally collarred-rim.
from surrounding area. The longer axis of the mound A few pieces of storage-jars or basin with ripple
is from north-to-south (about 300 m and shorter mark and rusticated external surface and applique
axis from east-to-west (about 150 m ). Spread over decoration consisting of rope or chain pattern and
about 12 acre area, the basal portion of the mound cord impression were also found (pl. XIX C).
on the southern side has heavy concentration of Among other antiquities, mention may be made of
early NBPW potsherds. A good number of NBPW animal terracotta figurines, fragments of soapstone
and associated ceramics were collected from the casket and stone-muller, iron slags, ochre pieces and
site. Some painted NBPW sherds of convex-sided stone beads.
66
MAHARASHTRA
35. EXPLORATION IN AMRAVATI AND YEOTMAL Survey, during the course of exploration of submergence
TALUKS, DISTRICT AMRAVATI area under Bembla River Ecological Project, noticed
D.N. Sinha of the Aurangabad Circle of the antiquarian remains at the following places.
District Taluk Village/Site Nature of remains
Amravati Chandur Ghuikhed Samadhi temple assignable to circa nineteenth

century
-do- -do- TalegaonDashasar Sculptures and architectural fragments of temple,

stepped-wells, etc. of Yadava period
-do- -do- Yerad Mud-bastion of late medieval period
Yeotmal Babhulgaon Dabha Small mud-bastion of late medieval period
-do- -do- Pahur Keshava Temple, containing beautiful loose

sculpture of Vishnu, assginable to twelfth
century
-do- -do- Pimpalkhunta Mudgalesvara Temple of fourteenth century

(Yadava period)
36. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT AMRAVATI AND WARDHA N.C. Prakash, of the Excavation Branch-I, Nagpur,
In the course of exploration in the area of of the Survey, noticed the following
submergence of the lower Wardha River Project, antiquarian remains.
Taluk Site/Village Nature of remains

District Amravati
Chandur Nimboli Early historical and medieval remains; black
(20° 48' 00" N; 78° 14'00"E) burnished, red-slipped, micaceous red and
Medieval grey ware; shapes represented by vase,
bowl and dish
District Amravati
Tivsa Asoknagar(Vaigaon) Huge habitational mound belonging to early historical
(20° 52' 45"N;78° 07' 30" E) and medieval periods; burnt-ash with charcoal; red,
coarse red, micaceous red ware, black painted red
ware, red-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, with
thick medieval grey ware along with terracotta wheel,
sling-ball and mullar in basalt and iron slag
. -do- Borgaon An early historic mound having thick cultural deposits;

(20° 48' 45" N; 78° 17' 37" E) pre-exposed fresh section shows ash deposits
containing charcoal and bone with traces of mud
floor; red, red-slipped, micaceous red, coarse red,
black burnished and a sherd of black painted red
ware, along with handle of a basin; shapes comprise
vase, bowl, dish and jar; a muller fragment and a
sling-ball in stone
-do- Chinchpur Mound with early historical and medieval remains

(20° 53' 45" N; 78° 12' 28" E) along with a rubble foundation; red, coarse red,
micaceous red and typical medieval grey ware
pottery, medium to thick fabric; shapes comprise
vase, dish, storage-jar and bowl.
-do- GavhaNipani Mound with early historical and medieval remains

(20° 52' 10"N;78° 09' 00" E)
-do- Jalgaon Early historical and medieval pottery represented by

(20° 50' 00" N; 78° 12' 20" E) black and micaceous red ware
-do- Juna Dhamangaon Early historical and medieval remains

(20° 49' 00"N;78° 08' 30" E)
-do- Kavli Mound with early historical and medieval remains;

(28° 51' 15" N; 78° 10' 30" E) dull black ware and micaceous red ware, and the
bowl being predominant
68
Tivsa Mangrul Mound with early historical and medieval remains,

(20° 50' 00"N;78° 14' 45" E) pottery represented by red-slipped, coarse red and
micaceous red ware, medieval grey ware of medium
to fine fabric; a mullar fragment in basalt
-do- Varud An early historical mound having huge cultural

(20°52’00"N;78° 15' 15" E) deposits, eighteen courses of rubble foundation or
structure, and thirty courses of mud-brick wall on
the southern pre-exposed section; the eastern
portion has thick deposits of ash and charcoal in
unconsolidated condition; pottery represented by
red, coarse red, black-and-red and grey wares
-do- Vasad An early historical mound with a brick structure and

(20° 51' 30" N; 78° 11' 30" E) ashy layers containing charcoal in the pre-exposed
section implies a habitational deposit; potsherds
represented by red, red-slipped and micaceous red
ware, black-and-red ware; a small sherd of black
painted red ware; shapes comprise, vase, dish,
bowl, thick storage-jar and handle of a basin
District Wardha
Arvi AntarDoho Mound containing early historical and medieval

remains, potsherds represented by red, dull red, black
ware and grey ware; comprising vase, jar, and bowls
(20° 54’20”N; 78° 13' 20" E)
-do- Borgaon Mound containing early historical and medieval

(20°55’00"N;78° 15' 00" E) remains; potsherds represented by coarse red and
medieval grey ware and arecanut- shaped terracotta
bead
Dhanor Early historical and medieval remains; potsherds

(20° 52'20" N; 78° 17' 00" E) represented by red-slipped and grey ware
69
District Wardha
Arvi Rohna Early historical and medieval remains with pre-
(20° 51' 30"N;78° 19' 00" E) exposed brick structure, belonging to early historical
period
-do- Vadhon Early historical and medieval remains with rubble

(20°54’10"N;78° 12' 30" E) foundation or structure on the pre-exposed section,
coarse red and grey ware; represented by vase,
bowl and dish
-do- Virul Mound containing early historical remains with

(20° 48' 00"N;78° 21' 45" E) rubble foundation or structure; pottery represented
by red-slipped, coarse red and grey wares
37. EXCAVATION AT PAITHAN, DISTRICT AURANGABAD The finds included pottery, coins, beads,
In continuation of the previous year's (1995-96, pendants, bangles, ceramics, weights, gamesmen,
p. 56) work, excavation was resumed by the figurines, hopscotch, skin rubbers, disc, wheel,
Aruangabad Circle of the Survey in two phases. In plaque, lamp, ear-stud, smoke pipe, toys, sling-ball,
the first phase, the excavation was conducted by iron nails, arrow-heads, rings, spear-heads, copper
P.N. Kamble, M. Mahadevaiah, D.N. Sinha, D.T. anklet, blades, bell, kaolin figurines, bone points,
Asar, S.B. Rindhe, D.L. Sirdeshpande, G.L. comb and hair-pin. Amongst the structural remains
Gaikwad, V.R. Satbhai, S.M. Nazimuddin, Abdul mention may be made of ring-wells of brick and
Samad, B. S. Tadvi and S. L. Magre, besides the some stone walls with flooring.
students from the Institute of Archaeology (1994- 38. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT DHULE
96), of the Survey, New Delhi, were also associated
M.R. Dhekane of the Aurangabad Circle of the
with the excavation as a part of their training. In all,
Survey, during the course of exploration, noticed the
seven trenches were laid in north-south orientation
remains of medieval period such as copperplate, an
in the centre of mud fortified area on the eastern end
image of Vishnu in Betawad town in Sindkhed taluk.
of the site. In the second phase, the Survey
undertook the excavation jointly with the Society ORISSA
for South Asian Studies (the British Academy,
London) represented by James Howell. In addition 39. E XPLORATION IN D ISTRICTS A NGUL AND
to further diggings in some of the previous trenches, SAMBALPUR
the area adjacent to the trenches taken up in 1936- The exploration undertaken by A. Pradhan,
37 (under the Nizams of Hyderabad) was also research scholar of the Sambalpur University,
cleared and extended. Sambalpur, in the valleys of San Karandi Jor and
Ghosar Jor (tributaries of River Mahanadi), revealed Except Tapursinga-2, celt is reported from all
archaeological sites ranging from Palaeolithic, these sites along with blade, scraper, fluted core, etc.
Mesolithic, Neolithic to the historical periods (fig. 3). Coarse red ware potsherds (hand-made and slow
wheel-turned) have been found in all the sites except
Palaeolithic tools have been recovered from the Badkasibahal-1 and Kalmalkata-2. The Neolithic
lowermost level of the site Badibahal-2 on the right celts were manufactured in this region as evident from
bank of San-Karandi Jor; Jagannathpur on the left bank a quern having narrow depression, found from the
ofPodhagadha nala, in Athamallik tehsil, District Angul. site Gunduridadar which might have been used for
polishing stone-axes. Most of the sites are partly
There are about seventeen microlithic sites
damaged due to erosion.
discovered at Tapursinga (20° 55'N and 84° 21 'E),
namely Tapursinga-1, Tapursinga-3 and Tapursinga- One multi-culture site at Bhejidih-1, on the left
4; Anatira, Badibahal-1, Bhejidih-2, Bhandarimunda, bank of San-Karandi Jor in Bhejidih village, Athamallik
Brahmanipali, Kansarikud, Katakpali, Kalmalkata-1, tehsil, District Angul was also brought to light (fig. 4).
Saleigoth (all in Athamallik tehsil, District Angul). The The site is approachable from Redhakhol via Hatibahal
mesolithic sites in Redhakhol tehsil, District Sambalpur, and San Nuapada covering a distance of 18 km. The
were found at Bad-kasibahal-2, San-Nuapada, site is also approachable from Raj Kishore Nagar via
Kukudabahali, Badkuda locality (two sites). Besides Tapursinga which will cover 13 km, through a kachcha
these, microliths have been found from Badibahal-2 road. The site has about 6.5 m cultural deposit. The
and Jagannathpur below the Neolithic level. All these artefacts collected from the surface include beads
are open air sites, located either around the igneous (carnelian), terracotta hopscotch, iron objects like nail,
outcrop or on the top of the red soil. The majority of chisel and knife and stone objects such as axe, quern,
sites lie just on the bank of San-Karandi Jor or its ring-stone. Among the pottery black-slipped ware and
tributary nala, like Podhagadha nala and Kunda nala. black-and-red ware have been found. The potsherds
The artefacts collected from the surface include fluted are both wheel-thrown and hand-made. The important
core, blade, lunate, bladelet, point, scraper and flakes. shapes are handi, bowl and storage-jar (fig. 5). Bowl
The principal raw materials used in these sites are: chert, is dominant in black-and-red ware and black-slipped
quartz, crystals, chalcedony and mudstone. ware. Besides, fossilized animal bones and antlers have
also been collected. The site has three cultural periods,
In addition to the aforementioned sites, there
i.e. Neolithic (Period-1), Chalcolithic (Period-2), early
were eight sites with Neolithic cultural assemblage,
historical (Period-3).
located in Athamallik and Redhakhol tehsils. The sites
are Badibahal-2, Gunduridadar, Jagannathpur, Following is the list of sites with archaeological
Kamalkata-2, Tapursinga-2, Tusar in District Angul remains discovered in two tehsils viz., Athamallik and
and Badkasibahal-1, Hatibahal in District Sambalpur. Redhakhol.
Tehsil Tehsil Site/Village Nature of remains

Athamallik Anatira Mesolithic
(20º 51’ 58”; 84º 25’ 58”)
74
EPLORATIONS AND EXCAVATION
Tehsil Site/Locality Nature of remains
Athamallik Badibahal-1 Mesolithic

(20° 57'48"; 84° 23'24")
-do- Badibahal-2 Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic

(20°57'50"; 84° 23'04")
-do- Badibahal-3 Neolithic

(20°57'32"; 84° 23' 48")
-do- Bhejidih-1 Neolithic, Chalcolithic

(20°57' 02"; 84° 22'17")
-do- Bhejidih-2 Mesolithic

(20° 56' 48"; 84° 22'48")
-do- Bhejidih-3 Mesolithic, Neolithic

(20° 57'04"; 84° 22'36")
-do- Bhandarimunda-1 Mesolilhic

(20°55'02";84°21'36")
-do- Bhandarimunda-2 Neolithic

(20° 55'24"; 84° 22'02")
-do- Brahmanipali Mesolithic

(20°57'42";84°25'12")
-do- Dhauragoth Neolithic

(20°56'28";84°23'30")
75
Gunduridadar Mesolithic,Neolithic
Athamallik (20°57'18"; 84° 23'50")
-do- Guapada-1 Mesolithic, Neolithic

(20°57'20";84°21'28")
-do- Guapada-2 (20° Iron-smelting centre

(20°57' 18"; 84° 21 '48")
-do- Jagannathpur Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic

(20°56'20";84°23'12")
-do- Kansarikud-1 Mesolithic

(20°57'42";84°23'06")
-do- Kansarikud-2 Neolithic

(20°57'08"; 84° 24'00")
-do- Kalmalkata-1 Palaeolithic, Mesolithic

(20°59'06";84°26'40")
-do- Kalmalkata-2 Neolithic

(20°58'48";84°26'40")
-do- Katakpali Mesolithic

(20°59'32"; 84° 26'36")
-do- Khandahata Palaeolithic, Mesolithic

(20°58'24";84°29'00")
-do- Naktinali Medieval inscription

(21°00'26";84°28'36")
76

Athamallik Salaigoth-1 Mesolithic
(20°56'32";84°24'40")
-do- Salaigoth-2 Neolithic

(20°56'30"; 84° 24'20")
-do- Tapursinga-1 Mesolithic

(20°56'48";84°23'12")
-do- Tapursinga-2 Neolithic

(20°57'18"; 84° 22'48")

(20°57'06";84°23'18")

(20°57'00";84°23'42")

(20°57'30"; 84° 22'50")
-do- Tusar Mesolithic, Neolithic

(20°54'54";84°21'20")
Redhakhol Bad-kasibahal-1 Mesolithic, Neolithic

(20° 59'26"; 84° 22'00")
-do- Bad-kasibahal-2 Mesolithic

(20°58'52";84°22'24")
-do- Bad-kuda-1 Mesolithic

(21°00'20"; 84° 21'30")
Redhakhol Bad-Kuda-2 Mesolithic

(21°00'16"; 84° 22'10")
-do- Betgarh Iron-smelting centre

(21°03'54"; 84° 25'12")
-do- Hatibahal Neolithic

(20°59'12"; 84° 21'42")
-do- Kankanpada Mesolithic

(20°57'36";84°21'12")
-do- Kukudabahali Mesolithic

(20°58'24";84°23'20")
-do- Laindamal Mesolithic

(21°00' 12"; 84° 21 '58")
-do- San-Nuapada Mesolithic

(20°57'24";84°22'24")
40. EXCAVATION AT BARABATI FORT, CUTTACK, Due to encroachment excavation was restricted
DISTRICT CUTTACK to the western side, the southern edge adjoining the
In continuation of the previous season's work road leading to the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium
(1995-96, pp.61-64), Excavation Branch-IV, and a very small area at the north-east corner of the
Bhubaneswar, of the Survey, resumed excavation Palace area. Further, the earth excavated during the
at Barabati Fort, under the direction of K. early stages of excavation was dumped on the western
Veerabhadra Rao, assisted by A.K. Patel, L.R.S. side of Watch Tower and also on the southern side
Rao, S.K. Bhoi and R.N. Sahoo. During this facing the retaining wall of the citadel. As a result, the
season, digging was concentrated mainly to expose western retaining wall of the citadel was covered
the structures surrounding the palace as also to trace under roughly 9 m high excavated earth and the area
the relationship of the heavy foundation columns on the southern side of the Palace area was covered
with the retaining wall at the northeastern corner. under almost 3 m dump. Some of the dump on the
western side was removed for laying trenches. Under Fragments of the abacus resting above the column
the circumstances, trenches could be laid only on the and below the bracket were also found. These stone
western side near the tank on its southern side after columns made of schist without any sculptural
removing some portion of the dump and at the ornamentation suggest that they were part of the
northeastern corner to find out the relationship Palace and were actually resting above the heavy
between the heavy foundation columns and the foundation columns exposed in the earlier
retaining wall. excavations. Weathering marks because of burning
which caused cracks along the cleavage due to
The excavation on the western side have laid expansion were also noticed. When the Palace was
bare a number of architectural fragments like pillar destroyed, it must have been burnt and the pillars
bases, brackets, door-jambs, stone-channels and were thrown into low lying areas subsequently.
other minor architectural fragments. These were
dumped on the western side in a haphazard manner At the northeastern corner of the Palace area,
and some times, even the columns (pl. XX A) were digging at a portion of Trench ZC-5 revealed
broken into two pieces, probably for transportation. heavy foundation columns (pl. XX B) built on
There are no stratified deposits except deliberate ex isting floor -level (P er iod-II) after the
dumping of constructional materials. Most of the construction of retaining wall, as is evident from
architectural fragments are carved out of khondalite the traces of plaster on the retaining wall and the
stones while robust columns, pillar-bases and door- space between the columns and the retaining wall
jambs are carved out of schist with a considerable was filled up with the earth.
degree of polish.
Apart from the carved schist columns, finds
comprise terracotta figurines (pl.XXI) and a badly
There are altogether five pieces of columns
found in Qds 1 and 2 of Trench XH-7 and Qd 1 of damaged female sculpture. The terracottas are
Trench XG-7. These pieces of columns measure mostly made by pinching a lump of clay, at times
using applique technique for fixing eyes and ears.
112 cm to 144 cm in height and have a section of
roughly 80 cm. Except one piece, the others have Available specimens depict dog, horse and an
a square base 50 cm and 80 cm. Above the base elephant about 4 cm to 6 cm in length. The
is an octagonal shaft with mouldings and half-moon fragmentary stone sculpture (pl. XXII A) wears a
waistband, a necklace with traces of hair-do drawn
design above the mouldings. T he shaft is
on her left shoulder. Two miniature pidhas in
interspersed with another square block of about
khondalite were also found.
32 cm thick. All the three bigger fragments are
broken along the length and only one half of each Fragments of Chinese porcelain in the shape of
exists. It is possible that two halves found in Qd 2 shallow plate with ring-base (pl. XXIIB) painted inside
belong to the same column. The piece of column in blue color depicting huts, trees, boats, etc. Mention
with a bigger base was the lower half of the column may be made of sturdy grey ware and dull red ware
and the smaller one was resting above the larger with slip of medium fabric and red-slipped ware of
one in such a manner that both the half-moon medium to fine fabric. The shapes include handis,
designs join together to make a single column. vases, shallow dishes, bowls and surahis.
82
PUNJAB pottery shapes comprise dish-on-stand, goblets,

beaker, ring-based bowls, dishes, jars, basins, cooking
41. EXCAVATION AT BRASS, DISTRICT FATEH GARH vessels, storage-jars, miniature dishes, shallow bowls
SAHIB painted with fish scales, net designs, flying bird,
The Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology incisions, sigmas, zig-zag lines, vertical lines, etc.
and Museums, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh, Perforated sherds were also collected. The antiquities
in continuation of the earlier work (1994-95, collected from the Harappan deposit include terracotta
pp. 63-64), resumed excavation at Brass under the and faience beads, bangles (pl. XXIIIB), terracotta
direction of K.K. Rishi and Kuldip Singh, assisted by wheels, beads of carnelian, agate and steatite besides
Gurdev Singh and Sunil Kumar. The aim of this year's some fragile pieces of a copper axe.
excavation was to trace the extension of Harappan
No constructional activities could be traced due
culture and its linkage with the PGW culture; to gather
to huge pits, cuttings and rain-gullies in PGW/ black-
further details of Kushan establishment, particularly
slipped ware level. One of the peculiar features of the
the socio-economic conditions prevalent during the
site is that PGW, grey ware and black-slipped ware
period, besides ascertaining the complete cultural
emerged together but so far as the ratio is concerned
sequence of the site. It established the following cultural
it varied from layer to layer, while in the earlier layers,
sequence at the site: Harappan culture; PGW, black-
the PGW is more in numbers in the upper layers, the
slipped and grey ware cultures; Sunga-Kushan and
black-slipped ware and grey ware are common with
Medieval (fig. 6).
a few sherds of PGW. The shapes in PGW comprise
During the period under review, the work was thali, lota and katora with typical designs concentric
mainly concentrated in BRS-6 which revealed a circles, horizontal strokes, wavy lines, circles, dots,
sequence from the earliest time to the medieval serpentine lines, etc., painted in black on grey surface.
times although the excavation was also conducted The associated red ware shows a rough surface with
in BRS 1 and 2. soot and husk marks, recovered in a large number.
The recovery of iron slags from the excavation above
In Trench A-2, Site 2, it was noticed that the the Harappan level indicates its use for the first time
Harappan mound was badly disturbed by the later during the PGW levels. Iron implements were
occupants by digging round pits and large-sized prepared by way of smelting. It is important to note
natural rain gullies, indicating that the site remained that the tradition of PGW continued till later stage of
unoccupied for a long time. Sandy material in these grey ware and black-slipped ware. The grey ware is
rain gullies give an indication of flood during the (pl. XXV A) however, same in texture, colour and
Harappan time. The same situation was noticed at fabric as compared to the PGW. At Site 2, the layers
Sites 1 and 6. Total deposit of this culture is 1 m in 13 to 7 yielded a mixed deposit of PGW, grey ware
thickness. The digging resulted in the collection of fine and black-slipped ware.
pottery with typical shapes and paintings.
In Trench A 2, Site 2, some structures in mud-
In Trench A-2, a long-necked pot (pl. XXIII A) bricks (43cm x 25cm x 10 cm) were noticed. A small
with ring-base was unearthed in layer 14. Other room (2.5 m x 1.80 m) which was based on layer 8
83
and sealed by layer 6, was also exposed. From the In the earlier phases, structures are in good
inner side of this room potsherds of black-slipped condition and are well laid. The degeneration is clearly
ware, grey ware and a few sherds of PGW were visible from the fourth phase onward, because
collected. From the size of the bricks mentioned constructional activities are of poor standard. The first
above, the structures may be assignable to the three phases appear to belong to the early Sunga-
Mauryan period, i.e., circa third century BC. Kushan period and the remaining to that of the later
Kushans.
At Site 6, Trench Al, layers 17 to 28 yielded
mixed pottery e.g., PGW, grey ware and black-slipped The pottery of Sunga-Kushan period is marked
ware and also of Kushan type. by stamp designs showing nandipada, pipal leaf, tri-
ratna, sun symbols, etc., besides paintings in black
The other finds include terracotta arecanut beads, on exterior side and on shoulders of vessels in the
ghata-shaped beads, semi-precious stone beads, form of bands, zig-zag and wavy lines. The mat-
copper/terracotta/bone/shell bangle pieces, bone impressed pottery was collected from the early
styluses, hair pins etc. phases. The incurved bowls, with short curvature
became prominent during the earlier phases and sharp
The succeeding level is represented by the Sunga in later phases, The shapes recovered from the
and Kushan, who dominated the scene for a long time excavations comprise incurved bowls, cooking
at the site of Brass. vessels, basins, storage-jars, lids, water vessels,
shallow plates, dishes, vessels with short-neck, long-
An important (pl. XXIV A) structure of necked vessels with flayed rim, surahis, miniature
kachcha brick, semicircular, probably for storing pots, earthern lamps, votive tanks, basins with spout
grains, having twelve courses of bricks was exposed and perforated vessels, etc.
with inner height of 60 cm and outer height of 85 cm.
Bricks (25 cm x 40cm x 7 cm) used in this structure Various types of antiquities such as terracotta
are specially prepared from clayey material and sealings, stamps, copper coins, terracotta beads,
therefore, are hard. Also exposed was a room- semi-precious stone beads (pl.XXV B) of
complex of kachcha bricks with chulah, hearths, camelian/agate, lapis lazuli, coral etc.,
cornbins and mud-floors. shell/bone/copper beads, terracotta sling-ball,
cart-frame/wheels, skin scrubbers, weights,
The Site 6 also yielded complete structural data human/animal figurines (pl.XXVI A),
of the Kushans. Nine structural phases of the Kushans point/stylie (pl. XXVIB), bangle pieces, ear-
were noticed. studs/pendants, gamesmen, copper antimony
rods, iron spear-head, etc., have been recovered from
An important find (pl. XXIV B) is the three all the phases of Sunga-Kushan period.
adjacent oval-shaped chulhas, exposed behind the
wall of phase VII. Probably the persons living in these The Site BRS-6 yeilded remains of medieval
structures were using these chulhas jointly as period from the top of the mound upto layer (3). The
suggested by a large quantity of ash nearby. structural activities with two structural phases in the form
of brick-bats were found scattered here and there,
87
besides the remains of grains from layer (2) at a depth kunalis, storage-jars, portions of hukkas, dishes
of 1.10 m. These grains were analyzed by the of glazed ware, cooking vessels with rustication and
Department of Botany, Punjab Agricultural University, soot-marks, miniature pots and basins, etc. The
Ludhiana, Punjab. According to the report, the material antiquities include terracotta beads; terracotta and
contains the remnant of husk of cereal grains. The glass bangles, semi-precious stone and glass beads.
endosperm portion, which stores starch was completely
RAJASTHAN
degraded during the course of long storage period. On
the basis of deposition of silica layers in the husk and
42. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT JHUNJHUNU
the dimension of cavity enclosed by the husk, the sample
is identified as that of paddy (oryza sativa) seed. During the course of village-to-village survey,
B.R. Singh of the Jaipur Circle of the Survey,
The pottery collected from these layers comprise discovered the following sites with antiquarian remains
knife-edged bowls, incense-burners, lotas, surahis, which are as under:
Bhurasar
( 2 8 °9 ' 30 "N; 75 ° 22 ' 00 "E ) Late medieval chhatris
Nayasar
(28° 8 ' 28 "N; 75° 21'24" E) Historical
43. EXCAVATION AT BALATHAL, DISTRICT UDAIPUR settlement and, ii) to establish the chronology and
Excavation at Balathal (1995-96, pp. 64-70), cultural affiliation of the fortified enclosure exposed in
was conducted for the fourth consecutive year by V.N. the previous seasons; and lastly to expose the
Misra, Vasant Shinde and R.K. Mohanty of the Chalcolithic structural-complex found on the southern
Deccan College Post-graduate and Research Institute, side of the settlement in their entirety as also to study
Pune and Lalit Pandey and Jeewan Kharakwal of the the socio-economic aspects.
Institute of Rajasthan Studies, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth,
Udaipur. They were assisted by Anup Mishra, Abhijit To realize the first two objectives, Trench D2
Dendekar, Kurush Dalai, Balram Tripathy, Rhea Mitra, inside the fortified enclosure, already being dug for
Tama Panda, B.B. Dighe, S.A. Pradhan, D.V. last two seasons, and six quadrants—two each on
Karanjkar, Sunil Jadhav, V.G. Vishwasrao, M.D. the west, north and south of the settlement, outside
the fortified area were dug. These quadrants comprised
Kajale, P.K. Thomas, P.P. Joglekar, Arati Deshpande
the northern half of Trench H4, north-west quadrant
and Malti Nagar.
of B1, north-east quadrant of OB 1 and northern half
This season's excavation had three objectives: of HX2. Except the two quadrants of H4, which were
i) to understand the growth of the Chalcolithic dug for a depth of 3 m each, all were excavated down
to the bed-rock. A vertical cutting was made in Trench The initial settlement at Balathal appears to have
D in the centre of the western wall of the fortified been of a modest nature. No evidence of structural
enclosure down to the base to understand the nature remains of the use of either mud-bricks or stones
of the construction of the wall. The height of the wall for construction could be encountered in the lower
is 3.80 m. The core of the wall, 2.20 m in width, was levels. In the lowermost layers (21-19) of Trench
made mainly of mud, with limited use of complete HX2 some of the characteristic Chalcolithic wares
and broken mud-bricks and stones, all of which were such as thick red-slipped, thin red and coarse black-
rammed hard. It was strengthened by 1.60m wide and-red, thick in section, and inadequately fired, and
stone revetments on both sides. The mud-wall and the majority of the vessels are hand-made. Shapes
the revetments were raised over layer 15 which is such as wide-mouthed deep carinated bowls, small
composed of pinkish clay. This layer seems to have narrow-mouthed jars, and storage-jars with beaded
been intentionally laid to provide a strong foundation rim, which are index types in these wares, are present
to the fortification. from the beginning. A gradual development is seen
in these wares in terms of technology and quality of
To realize the third objective, six new Trenches-
vessels. The wares gradually became finer and
OA1, OBI, OB2, BY1, BY2 and BY3 - were
reached their highest quality in the middle phase of
opened on the northern, eastern and western sides of
the Chalcolithic period (around 2400 BC). The
Structural-complex 1, comprising multi-roomed
Reserve-slipped Ware was also introduced by the
Structure 10. Trenches OA1 and OBI were dug in
pioneering settlers. Since the earliest known
the total area of 5 x 5 m whereas the remaining
occurrence of this ware in the subcontinent is at
trenches were dug only partially as follows: OB2,
Balathal, it may be inferred that the technique of its
northern half; BY 1 north-west quadrant; BY2 northern
production was borrowed by the Harappans when
half; B Y3 north-east quadrant. The last three trenches
they established a close contact with the Chalcolithic
were opened to uncover the plan of the pottery kiln
farmers of Mewar around 2400 BC.
discovered in the previous seasons (fig. 7).
It is now clear that the fortified enclosure, located
Besides, following trenches, already opened in
in the central part of the habitation, was constructed
previous seasons, were also dug as follows: A, Al,
sometime, perhaps a couple of centuries, after the
OA, OB, OC1, OC2, OD1 and OD2 were dug in
founding of the settlement. The evidence from
the total area of 5 x 5 m; AX1, and AY1, eastern
Trenches D2 and the north-west quadrant of B1,
half; BY1, eastern half; OC, eastern half: OC3, and
which were excavated to the natural level, shows that
OD3 western half; CY1 and CY2, northern half; CY3,
the wall of the fortified enclosure was constructed over
northeastern quadrant.
a 60 cm thick strong platform of mud, mud-bricks,
Thus, in this season digging was done in a total brickbats and stones mixed together and rammed hard
area of 490 sq m. The digging done to the bed- (pl. XXVII A). The wall has survived to a height of
rock/virgin soil in trenches D2, northern half of HX2 3.21 m on the southern side. The upper part of the
and north-west quadrant of B1 has produced wall was strengthened by adding a support wall which
evidence bearing on the origin and development of is 1.25 m wide and is made of black clay over a stone
the Chalcolithic culture. foundation.
93
EXPLORA TIONS AND EXCA VA TIONS
A part of the southwestern bastion of the the centre of the habitation at Balathal is unique
fortified enclosure was exposed in the southwestern among the Chalcolithic settlement in the country, it
quadrant of Trench Bl. It is rectangular in shape may be mentioned that evidence of external mud
and has survived to a height of 3.37 m. Like the wall fortifications is reported from the Chalcolithic sites
it slopes outward from the top towards the bottom. of Nagda and Eran in Central India.
The bastion and the wall were constructed
simultaneously as both stand on a common platform. A number of rooms of Structure 10 of
The bastion projects out from the wall to a width of Complex 1, belonging to structural phase II, were
1.10 m. It is made of semi-dressed stone-blocks exposed on the northern and eastern sides of the
which were laid in a perfectly straight alignment and previously exposed rooms (10A-10G). Rooms 10E,
joined together with mud-mortar. The sharp angle 10F and 10G, partially exposed in the previous
formed at the junction of the eastern and the southern seasons, were fully exposed during this season.
faces of the bastion testifies to the masonry skill of Room 10E, located on the eastern side of Room
the builders (pl. XXVII A). I0C and roughly rectangular on plan, is 8.20 m
long and 2.40 m wide. The major portion of this
In Trench D2, dug inside the fortified room is occupied by the support wall of Room 10C,
enclosure, three floor levels, each one resting over which has destroyed the contents of the room and
a thick bedding of black clay and occasional stones, therefore, its exact function cannot be determined.
were partially noticed. These beddings appear to Room 10F, located on the eastern side of Room
have been intentionally laid to level the area below 10E, is roughly rhomboidal on plan. The length of
the floors. The floors were made of yellow silt the room is 4.70 m along the eastern wall and 7.75
rammed hard and were plastered with cow-dung. m along the western wall. Its width also varies from
Average thickness is 12 cm (pl. XXVIIB). In the 3.30 m along the northern wall to 4.50 m along the
upper part of the trench thick layers of ash, southern wall. Close to its southern wall the room
sometimes vitrified, resulting from the burning of contains two domestic hearths, each represented by
cow-dung and heavily burnt earth were noticed. three loose stones placed in a circular fashion. These
Two large U-shaped ovens (chulhas), with a hearths were protected by a 2.40 m long and 45 cm
common middle arm, and made of mud, were found wide mud-brick wall. This was probably another
in the southeastern corner of this trench very close kitchen of the complex. Room 10G, located on the
to the inner face of the mud and stone wall. The northern side of Rooms 10E and 10F, is squarish on
chulhas were raised right over the bed-rock and plan, measuring 4.00 m x 3.90 m. To its east is
are in an excellent state of preservation (pl. XXVIII A). located one small rectangular room (10H), which is
In the absence of any substantial structures and separated by a partition wall. It is exposed in an
other occupational evidence inside it, the function area of 3.80 m (N-S) x 2.30 m (E-W). This part of
of the fortified enclosure is unclear. However, the the room may have been used for storage as it
amount of time and energy expended in building yielded remains of two circular clay bins which were
the massive ramparts of the enclosure would suggest damaged by fire. Room 10 I, located on the northern
that it may have housed the residence of the chief side of Room 10G, is partially exposed in an area of
of the community. While the fortified enclosure in 4.70 m (E-W) x 3.80 m (N-S).
95
A long rectangular room divided into two parts standing on a stone foundation. It is exposed in an
(Rooms 10J and 10K) by a partition wall, is located area of 2.90 m (E-W) x 1.65 m (N-S). The size of
on the northern side of Room 10D. Room 10J the bricks is 33 cm x 18 cm x 12 cm. Structure 24
measured 6.00 m (N-S) x 3.30 m (E-W), and was exposed on the southern side of the mound in
contains two circular burnt patches. Room 10K, Trenches OA1 and OBI. Only the eastern and
located to the north of 10J, is exposed in an area of northern stone walls of this structure have survived. It
3.60 m x 3.50 m. Its northern end is not yet excavated. is 5.80 m long (N-S) and 2.90 m wide (E-W). It has
Near its southeastern corner is a circular feature made a well-made floor and contains a number of storage-
of stones. The local workers opined that it was meant jars. Along its northern wall there is a circular fireplace.
for keeping poultry. Both these rooms containing large This evidence suggests that it was a dwelling structure.
quantity of pottery and bones may have been used Structure 25 of the same structural phase, located
for dwelling purposes (pl. XXVIII B). Inspite of just to the south of the southwestern bastion of the
excavating for over four seasons, Complex 1, fortified enclosure, is a twin-roomed structure. It has
containing rooms in Structure 10, is still not fully been destroyed on its eastern and northeastern sides.
exposed. However, judging from the number of The southern room of the structure has survived to a
rooms, their size and unusually strong walls, the length of 8 m and a width of 7.80 m, whereas the
complex would seem to have been occupied by a northern one has survived in an area of 3.40 m×
prosperous and large family. 2.40 m. This structure also appears to be a dwelling
as it contains a circular fireplace. No new structures
A number of structures of structural phase III
of structural phase IV were exposed in this season.
were also exposed. A major portion of Structure 8,
which was partially exposed in 1994-95, was further The middle room of Structure 8 contained two
exposed on the northern side. Only the eastern and pottery kilns, the second one at a higher level and
northern walls of this structure have survived. The immediately behind the first one. Both kilns, rectangular
eastern wall has survived to a length of 9.80 m and a on plan are enclosed between the two north-south
height of 1.22 m. The northern wall is exposed to a running mud-brick walls. The lower kiln contains seven
length of 8.90 m. Three rooms of this structure have clay containers, circular in shape but of varying sizes,
survived on its northern side. These have been divided each full of burnt clay lumps and pottery pieces. The
by thin mud-brick walls. The room on the eastern floor of the kiln is heavily burnt and contains a lot of
side is 3 m long (N-S) and 1.90 m wide (E-W). The ash. The second kiln yielded several complete vessels,
middle room is the biggest amongst all as it is 5 m including a large deep basin. It was used for firing tan
long and 4.50 m wide. The room on the western side and coarse red-slipped wares (pl. XXIX B). The
is exposed in an area of 4.50 m x 2 m (pl. XXIX A). presence of these two kilns within the same house
suggests pottery making to be a hereditary occupation.
Structure 23, partially exposed in the northern The potter's house was located on the western side
part of Trench H4, has been assigned to structural of the settlement. Pottery found this year is largely
phase III on the basis of its position below the last similar to that of the previous years. No new fabric
structural phase in the northern part of the settlement. was found but a few new shapes and designs were
It is possibly a rectangular structure of mud-bricks noticed. The new shapes include a very large dish in
96
tan ware, two deep basins, one with lugs, in grey ware, were noticed in its central part. Structure 20, located
and two large, wide-mouthed and almost globular to the east of Structure 19, measures, 2.60 m (N-S)
bowls in thin red ware (pl.XXX A). The same is the and 2.55 m (E-W). Two silos, lined with grass, were
case with other objects. Comparatively large number noticed in its eastern part in an open area which may
of microliths, including bladelets and associated have served as a courtyard. Structure 21, located just
debitage, were found in the lower levels. A couple of to the west of Structure 20 and exposed in an area of
terracotta bull figurines were also recovered during 2.75 m (N-S) x 2.40 m (E-W), contained a clay-
this season. Large quantities of animal bones and some plastered pit. Inside the pit were found two small
charred grains were also found. A noteworthy globular pots, a conical lid and a Roman lamp. This
discovery is of charred mustard grains from the middle evidence may be associated with some ritual activities.
levels of the Chalcolithic period. This is the earliest Structure 22, located on the northeastern side of
known evidence of mustard in India. Structure 21, was exposed in an area of 2.90 m x
2.40 m. On the eastern side of the structure were
Ten radiocarbon dates are now available from
found a couple of large storage-jars and four circular
Balathal. The oldest of them, from layer 18 of Trench
silos. The silos were full of charred rice, wheat,
HX2, is 2600 BC. This suggests that the dates form
mustard and black gram and interestingly each silo
the lowest levels of the site may go back to 2800
BC. Radiocarbon dates from the Chalcolithic sites contained a different variety of grains (pl. XXX B).
in Central India and the Deccan do not go beyond
A large number of iron objects comprising
2200 BC.
points, dagger blades, adzes, rods, nails, drills, hooks,
In the early historic period, four wattle-and-daub clamps and hoes were found. The most noteworthy
structures, some having stone foundations, were discovery of this season is a bell. It is made of a thick
exposed this season. All the structures belong to layer sheet of copper, overlain with a thin sheet of iron. The
3, which is dated to the beginning of the Christian era. inner loop and the large loop on the apex are made of
All of them are located immediately on the southern iron This shows the presence of complex metal
side of the iron-smelting and working area, where six technology during the early Historic period at Balathal.
clay furnaces were found in earlier seasons (1993- Ornaments include a large number of glass bangles, a
94, pp. 93-98). They are squarish on plan and are few bangles of terracotta and beads of semi-precious
only partially preserved. They seem to have been stones, glass and terracotta.
simultaneously destroyed by fire which was probably
caused by the furnaces located in the immediate The presence of a number of iron-smelting
vicinity. All the structures appear to be residential since furnaces and numerous iron tools at the site indicates
they were furnished with silos and storage-jars. They that Balathal was an important industrial centre during
were probably occupied by iron workers. the Early Historic period. Extensive surveys were
undertaken around the site to locate the source of
Structure 19, located immediately to the south
iron. Two sites namely Iswal, roughly 50 km west,
of the smelting area in Trenches A and AX1, was
and Bhoiyonki Pancholi, roughly 20 km south of
exposed in an area of 5.15 m (N-S) x 5 M (E-W). A
Balathal have thick deposits of iron ore. There is
number of broken pots and two clay-plastered silos
evidence to suggest that the iron deposits at Iswal
were exploited right from the beginning of the Christian comparable to the Harappan symbols, a painted
era. It is not unlikely that the people of Balathal also sherd, black-and-red ware, black-slipped ware,
exploited these sources. Russet-coated ware and red-slipped ware. Other
antiquities comprise beads of quartz and terracotta,
TAMIL NADU
spindle whorls and a considerable number of inscribed
potsherds. This period is datable to 300 BC-AD 300.
44. EXCAVATION AT KODUMANAL, DISTRICT ERODE
The Department of Archaeology and Museums, 45. EXCAVATION AT ALAGANKULAM, DISTRICT
Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, in collaboration RAMNAD
with the Tamil University, Thanjavur, conducted The Department of Archaeology and Museums,
excavations at Kodumanal under the direction of Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, conducted
Natana Kasinathan, Rajan, and A.Abdul Majeed, excavations at Alagankulam under the direction of
assisted by R. Poongunran, R. Selvaraj, Subramanian, Natana Kasinathan and A. Abdul Majeed, assisted
V. Ramamurthy, Munisamy and Adiyaman. by S. Vasanthy, D Thulasiraman, S. Selvaraj, M.
Kalaivanan and N. Ganesan. The excavation
The excavation brought to light two cultural
established a two-fold cultural sequence viz., Period
periods viz., Megalithic and Early Historic. During
I, with a deposit comprising black-and-red ware,
this season six trenches viz., KML 1,2,3,4,5, and 6
NBPW, Rouletted ware, grey ware, inscribed and
were laid bare in the habitational site.
graffiti bearing potsherds. This level is assignable to
On the eastern side of the habitation site, the circa 400 to 100 BC. Other finds include a silver
burial site is located. In the burial site, a megalithic punch-marked coin, a Pandya square coin bearing
cairn-circle marked as Megalith 1 was excavated. the figure of an elephant on the obverse and a fish on
The diameter of this megalithic burial is 10.90 m the reverse.
(pl. XXXI A). It consists of one primary cist with
two chambers and two sub-cists. The grave goods Period II witnessed the intrusion of pottery,
such as lids, bowls, dishes, four-legged jars and ring- amphorae pieces, pottery with protruding base and
stands were found placed outside the primary cist. leaf motif in the interior, Rouletted ware, pottery with
At the southeastern side of this primary cist an urn inscribed designs like ship and an elephant along with
was found which surprisingly yielded seven hundred a considerable number of Roman coins. On the basis
and eighty-two beads of carnelian (pl.. XXXI of these finds this period could be dated between circa
B). An iron sword measuring 169 cm was also 100 BC and fifth century AD.
found at the eastern side of the main cist. Besides
46. EXCAVATION AT T IRUVERKADU, D ISTRICT
four iron swords, a copper toddy filter (pl. TlRUVELLORE
XXXI C) with lotus and peacock designs, double-
edged axe, small daggers, stirrup-like object, graffiti The Department of Ancient Indian History,
bearing potsherds were also collected. Culture and Archaeology, Madras University, Madras,
resumed excavations at Tiruverkadu in Sriperumbudur
The habitational site brought to light a few taluk, situated 19 km west of Madras, under the
granaries with mud floorings, pottery with graffiti, direction of S. Gurumurthy, assisted by R. Ponnusamy,
100
M. Seran and P.D. Balaji. Trench TVD-1 laid in the Period II

previous season to the north-west of Sri
(early medieval)
Vedapurisvarar Temple was extended further towards
the western side by laying a new Trench TVD-3 AD 600 to 1200
measuring 6 m x 5 m. The excavation revealed a (coarse red ware and survivals
cultural deposit of 2.25 m below which natural soil of red-slipped ware)
was noticed. The deposit was ashy and compact with Period III
some disturbance here and there. It contained
potsherds belonging to black-and-red ware, black (late medieval) .
ware, red-slipped ware, orange-slipped ware and AD 1200 onwards
coarse red ware. Besides a number of knobbed-lid (coarse red ware)
and a few spouts were also picked up. Fragments of
amphorae jars were also collected from the deposit. UTTAR PRADESH
The excavation yielded important antiquities such 47. EXCAVATION AT MEHTAB BAGH, DISTRICT AGRA
as, terracotta hopscotches, ear ornaments, sling-ball,
In continuation of the previous year's
spindle whorl and seal; glass objects like beads and
(1993-94, pp. 100-101) work, the Agra Circle of
bangles besides a few iron objects.
the Survey, under the direction of P.B.S. Sengar,
At a depth of 1.29 m in layer 6, a hearth was assisted by P.K. Sharan, S.N. Kesarwani,
noticed in situ. At this level a floor, rammed with hard G.N. Srivastava, O.D. Shukla, V.N. Prabhakar,
clay was identified. Presence of many charcoal pieces P.K. Dikshit, R.K. Tiwari, S.K. Kulshrestha, C.B.
in association with black-and-red ware sherds nearby Singh, Y.K. Sharma, R.S. Balodi and N.P. Srivastava
the hearth, indicated that the floor represented a carried out clearance at Mehtab Bagh, which is
kitchen. popularly believed to have contained the remains of
the black Taj. In the current year, the excavation work
Pottery and antiquities collected from the was carried out at four particular spots namely
excavation reaffirmed the following cultural sequence (i) the eastern periphery; (ii) the northern periphery;
arrived at in the previous season. (iii) the central area and, (iv) the octagonal pool area
in the southern periphery.
Period IA
In the eastern periphery, a series of quadrants
(Iron Age)
each of 4.25 m x 4.25 m were excavated (pl. XXXII)
400 BC to AD 200
which revealed a structure of 25.75 m (N-S) x
(black-and-red ware, black ware and amphorae)
4.80 m (E-W) built of lakhauri bricks and lime-
Period IB mortar. Although the structure above the plinth level
(transition from Iron Age to early historical period) is completely missing, yet, the plan suggests that it
AD 200 to 600 might have been a bangla or baradari which
(orange-slipped ware, survivals of black ware) consisted of an oblong central hall verandah
(traditionally having three arched-openings in front and
105
back), measuring 8.25 m (N-S) x 4.80 m (E-W), it is 3.90 m. The chamfered face is 2.10 m in length.
flanked by a small chamber on either side, each The traces of a circular pit in the centre of the tank
measuring 3.45 m (N-S) x 4.80 m E-W. The thickness suggest that there was a single fountain in the centre
of wall at this level measured 1.25 m. The bangla or of the tank. The tank was built with lakhauri brick-
baradari is located on the mid-length of the eastern work and has a finely plastered surface. The
boundary-wall. A small area in the front of this structure embankment platform of the tank extended about
yielded traces of brick pavement overlaid with lime- 5 m from inner face on all cardinal sides. The tank is
mortar. The paved ground is found connected with a 1.65 m deep from the top level of embankment. The
small platform at a slightly lower level which was available evidence shows that the embankment
ascended through steps on the northern side. The traces platform was only 1.5 m high from its foundation.
of three steps were encountered on this stairway which However, deep digging in this area revealed an array
was constructed with lakhauri brick-work and of wall alignments forming some cell-like
veneered with red sandstone. arrangements. It is probable that these underlying
wall alignments were the remains of some earlier
The northern periphery of the site, close to the edifice, however, it is assumed that it was a box-
village Kachhpura, had suffered due to the robbing of
foundation provided to the tank. The tank contained
building material as well as rubble, for spreading on
an outlet built of terracotta-pipe running through the
the floors of cattle-pen in the past. The excavation
platform and in the remaining length it is built of
revealed structural remains measuring approximately
brick-work and covered with red sandstone slabs.
14.20 m (E-W) along the boundary-wall and 1.8 m
in width towards south, projected from the northern The southern periphery of the site is dominated
side baulk (or the boundary-wall). The wall remains by a large octagonal pool as revealed by the previous
in the portion had been robbed to a considerable depth as well as present excavation. In the present
and now only its foundation has survived in varying excavation, ninety quadrants have been exposed
heights. The traces of stone kerbs in the projected which revealed the detailed picture of the pool and
portion indicate the existence of a gateway in the associated edifices. Each side of the octagonal pool
northern boundary-wall. measured 17.45 m at the inner face and its total
interior area amounts to 1469.79 sq m. On the
In the central area, thirty-two quadrants have bottom floor of the pool twenty-five circular pits
been exposed and the excavation revealed the were traced in a particular geometrical pattern. The
existence of a masonry tank (pl. XXXIII). Its traces
scooping of two pits ascertained that the pits were
indicate that the tank was externally square.
meant for fountain spouts and its devices. The
Internally, the tank is almost intact, displaying a
fountains wer e linked with each other by
marvellous design in execution. The interior of the
underground pipeline made of glazed terracotta pipes
tank is basically a square with chamfered corner at
for uniform supply of water. The spouts were made
the bottom. The chamfered portion is superimposed
of marble. The pool comprises a very wide
with moulded decoration of cusped design. Each of
embankment wall rising to two terraces. The first
the cardinal sides measures 6.90 m in complete length
terrace bears a plain face while the second terrace
but excluding the chamfered portion on both sides,
has ornate cusped mouldings. The width of the
106
embankment wall is 11.80 m. The plan of the The site was covered under a thick deposit of
embankment wall displays that there was an earth sand. The section indicates two major floods with a
core between the inner and the outer, while casings considerable gap of time in-between. Each layer was
of brick-work were 4.56 m and 1.93 m respectively. succeeded by a thick wind-borne deposit.
The middle core of earth is 5.40 m. The walled
embankment was provided with the bangla/ 48. E XCAVATION AT BHITA, DISTRICT A LLAHABAD
baradari pavilions on southern and northern sides. Under the general guidance of G.T. Shendey, a
The bangla on southern side is traceable on plan team of the Lucknow Circle of the Survey, led by
only and shows a central verandah flanked by a S. Jamal Hassan, assisted by Indu Prakash,
chamber on either side. The northern counterpart A. A. Hashmi, Lily Dhasmana, Rajiv Dwivedi, Nayan
was also in a similar plan. Though its building material Anand Chakraborty, Sangita Chakraborty,
has been robbed ruthlessly, some stone-kerbs and S.B. Shukla, Shakeel Ahmad, Sultan Singh,
the collapsed-arches found in situ position, provide Dinesh Goswami, conducted a small-scale excavation
a panorama of the erstwhile graceful pavilion. This at Bhita with a view to ascertaining the pre-NBPW
bangla/baradari was also adorned with a beautiful assemblage of this renowned site.
cascade. The excavation revealed that a channel is
running across the verandah opening into a small The earliest culture of this mound is represented
rectangular tank (9.95 m x 5.55 m x 0.36 m) located by a thin deposit of 20 cm. The black-slipped ware
just behind the embankment wall. A stone-slab (1.85 m dated circa eighth to seventh century BC, followed
x 0.75 m) carved with twenty-seven alcoves (9x3 by a well-developed NBPW (1.75 m deposit) dated
rows) was found to the back of the embankment- at the beginning of seventh century BC to second
wall on the route of waterfall (pl. XXXIV). It was century BC. The uppermost deposit being a limited
noticed that to drain out the water from the octagonal one, representing Sunga period, roughly dated at the
pool there were four outlets at the bottom level. But closing of the century. Thus a period of eight hundred
the surplus water was channelized through the years (eighth century BC to first century BC/AD) may
northern arm of the pool and was cascaded into the broadly be assigned to the mound at Bhita. In the
rectangular tank. This type of cascade is typical of Garha mound, the Kushan deposit is more than 3 m
the Mughal style. As per the tradition, the alcoves which is not traceable at Garhi mound.
were lighted with candle lamps to present the
glittering view. The rectangular lower tank had drain- No structural activities were encountered in the
outlet at the bottom level, connected with lowermost level (BSW) but, three phases of structural
underground covered channel leading towards north. activities have been noticed in the NBPW level, which
Besides, three slits, each on the three sides to spread are made of burnt-brick (50 cm x 30 cm x 7 cm),
the surplus water on the ground, were also found. varying in size and plan. The orientation of these
structures are east-west, facing mainly west. From
The remains of a circular well constructed with mid to the late phase, a large number of structures
lakhauri bricks and lime-mortar, located between most of them freely built, were encountered. Squarish
the central tank and octagonal pool were also rooms (2.45 m x 2.30 m) with provision of window
brought to light. within a rectangular compartment was the notable
108
EXPLORA T1ONS AND EXCA VA TIONS
feature (pl. XXXV). Covered drain and rammed floor Tripathi and B.P. Singh, assisted by R.N. Singh, A.K.
were also noticed within these structures. In the last Singh, S.K. Singh and Jairam Singh. The digging was
phase, no definite plan of structure could be undertaken with a view to exposing the settlement
encountered, bricks were mainly reused and lacked system of the earliest period (Chalcolithic black-and-
any proper shape and size. The structural activity of red ware) and Kushan period besides imparting
the Kushan period is not well marked in the Garhi training to the students of post-graduate and diploma
mound, but in Garha mound, where deep vertical in Archaeology.
structure of rectangular walls and cistern having a
measurement of 2.10 m x 2.02 m x 0.56 m with Two areas, KDH-10 and KDH-11 with four
thirty-eight courses of bricks deserve special attention. squares measuring 4 m x 4 m and one square of 4
m x 4 m area respectively, both having east-west
In Periods I and II, the site yielded finished orientation were taken up for excavation. Though
specimens of black-slipped ware and NBPW along the excavation was conducted in limited scale, it
with a few pieces of grey and associated red wares. yielded some interesting results. A copper working
But the appearance of NBPW in Period II showed area with a forge was exposed on the fringes of the
colour variations, ranging from black and grey to existing mound (a large area appears to have been
brown and a few pieces of golden to yellow having washed away by the river). A large number of coins,
highly lustrous polish. Other associated wares include ores, slags, ochre pieces, charred-wood, etc., were
chocolate ware, orange ware, black-and-red ware. found in the vicinity. Another interesting find was a
Even Ahichchhatra XA type pottery and miniature tile-kiln with a sizeable number of tiles found in
bowls were found from this level in a greater quantity. situ.
A good number of antiquities, mainly in Period I yielded black-and-red ware,

terracotta, copper, bone, and stone have been comparable to other sites of eastern Uttar Pradesh
recovered. Among the terracotta objects, the most and Bihar. Animal bones and charred grains were
important are human and animal figurines, beads, rattle, found from the floor area. The most significant find
wheel, stopper, weight, toycart, hopscotch, etc. Few pertaining to this period is steatite micro-bead.
copper coins (much defaced) and a number of Period II at the site has been divided into two
antimony rods, bone points of various nature, needles, sub-phases viz., early and late NBPW. Unlike the
few iron slags and a few beads of semi-precious stones, previous excavations, only a small percentage of high
were other important finds that deserve mention. grade NBPW sherds could be found.
49. EXCAVATION AT KHAIRADIH, DISTRICT BALLIA In the late phase of NBPW, just below the
In continuation of the previous (1980-86) Kushan structure, a copper furnace/forge was found
work, excavation was resumed at Khairadih (26° in KDH-11 (B.S. 1.70 m, layer 2). It yielded
10' N; 83° 15' 30" E) located on the bank of River approximately sixty-five coins, many of these are in a
Ghaghara, by the Department of Ancient Indian fragile state, almost totally oxidized. A large
History, Culture and Archaeology, Banaras Hindu rectangular tile-kiln of burnt-clay and bricks with
University, Varanasi, under the direction of Vibha rounded comers was exposed at the bottom of layer 3.
109
It measured 2.40 m E-W, 2.20 m N-S. It had a In phase III, a complete room with 6.10m EW, 3.55
bowl-shaped base with a depth of 40 cm. There was m NW was exposed. There was a paved floor with
another circular structure inside this outer enclosure post-holes in the bricks. The bricks measure 42 cm x
which was 1.20 m E-W and 1.40 m N-S and 65 cm 22 cm x 6 cm. A very long wall (22 m) with the other
deep. A sizeable number of bright red tiles were found end not traceable speaks of the massive building of
inside as well as on top of this kiln. which it formed a part. In the adjacent structure on
the northern side, two cylindrical storage-pots
Among the smaller finds of this period, mention belonging to phase III were found buried in the floor.
may be made of beads of glass, semi-precious stones,
ivory and terracotta. Copper red glass found along Besides the structures, ceramics (fig. 8), a large
with glass bangles attest to a local glass making number of terracotta human figurines, stamps, seal,
industry. Terracotta discs, balls, broken figurines- stoppers, pendants, crucibles, etc., of Kushan period
both human and animals have also been found. were found apart from metal objects in the form of
copper and iron (fig. 9).
Period HI belongs to Kushan period. Residential
buildings of varying dimensions, were traced. Three 50. E XPLORATION IN NAWABGANJ T EHSIL, DISTRICT
distinct structural phases were noticed. Due to limited BARABANKI
area of excavation, no complete house plans could Devi Prasad Tewari of the Department of Ancient
be detected. However, two rooms with paved floors Indian History and Archaeology, University of
were brought to light. One of the walls belonging to Lucknow, Lucknow, conducted exploration of
phase I was 2.80 m long. In phase II, 8.00 m long Nawabganj tehsil and located the following sites of
wall was traced but other end could not be exposed. historical importance (fig. 10).

4 , X
Red ware (early medieval)

Ahmadpur
Red ware, black-slipped ware, grey ware, NBPW;

AlapurDeehan early medieval red ware
Amadaha jangle Red ware, black-and-red ware, early medieval red

ware
Aseni Red ware (medieval)
Baburigaon Red ware, glazed ware, stone sculptures and a

temple (Gupta and medieval)
112
Baragaon Red ware (medieval)
Barauli (Jata) Red ware, black-and-red ware, glazed ware, black

slipped ware
Barauli Malik Red ware, black-and-red ware (Kushan, Gupta and

early medieval)
Basti Red ware, black-and-red ware, stone sculpture

(Kushan and Gupta)
Bhitari (Ahmad Nagar) Grey ware, black-and-red ware, black-slipped

ware, red ware, glazed ware, temple and mosque
Bhitauli Red ware, black-and-red ware, medieval red ware
Dadra Red ware, black-and-red ware, early medieval and

medieval red ware
Deva Sarif Red ware and mosque
Devkalian Early medieval red ware
Dhaurmau Early medieval red ware
Hinduwani Medieval red ware
Ibrahimabad Red ware, black-and-red ware (medieval)
Jafarpur (Satarikh) Red ware (early medieval)
114
Jaganehta (Kothi Deeh) Red ware (Gupta and early medieval)
Jakarta Red ware, black-and-red ware, black-slipped ware,

Gupta and early medieval red ware
Jamwant Baba-ki-kuti Red ware, black-slipped ware, Gupta and early

medieval red ware
Karera (Shanpur) Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Karmullahpur Red ware (early medieval)
Kaserwa Black-slipped ware, red ware, glazed ware, red and

black ware (Sunga-Kushan, Gupta and medieval)
KatraMasauli Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Kheoli Red ware, black-and-red ware, black-slipped ware,

glazed ware, Gupta and early medieval red ware
Kola Gahbari Black-slipped ware, red ware, black-and-red ware,

Kotwa Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Machhauti Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Mohammadpur Vishunpur (Fatehpur) Red ware and temple of late medieval period Red
Muski Nagar ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
115
Nanmau Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Padari Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Panihal Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval and

medieval)
Piparauli Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval and

medieval)
Pratapganj Red ware (medieval)
Powari Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Rasauli Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval and

medieval)
Sahelia Red ware (early medieval)
Sahiyari Red ware, glazed ware (medieval)
Sarasnda Black-slipped ware, red ware, black-and-red ware,

Siddheshvar Mahadev Red ware and temple of late medieval period Red
Sipahiya ware, black-and-red ware, glazed ware (medieval)
Sultanpur Red ware, glazed ware, black-slipped ware (early

medieval)
116
Village/site Nature of remains
Tamarshapur Red ware (early medieval)
Terasani Red ware (early medieval)
Turkani Glazed ware, red ware (medieval)
Udhauli (Tulsipur) Remains of tank (late medieval)
Ultideeh Grey ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware,

red ware (pre NBPW and Mauryan to Kushan)
Umara (Fatehpur) Black-slipped ware, red ware, black-and-red ware,

glazed ware, Gupta and medieval red ware
Yakutganj Red ware (early medieval)
51. E XCAVATION AT SISWANIA, DISTRICT BASTI (Kuwano) on its left bank and with the increase of
In continuation of the previous season's work population and building activities during the Kushan
(1995-96, pp. 83-86), Excavation Branch II, New period the settlement spread towards east. Although
Delhi, of the Survey, under the direction of no structural remains of pre-NBPW phase could be
B.R. Mani, assisted by Vishnu Kant, R.K. Verma, located, structures of NBPW phase and Sunga period
Ajay Kumar Srivastava, B.K. Chauhan, L.S. Mamani, were mostly mud structures with floors having post-
V.P. Verma, Y.S. Nayal, Vinod Kumar, R.S. Rana, holes suggesting thatched roofs (pl. XXXVII A).
Ajai Kumar, Virendra Pandey, T.Z. Dani, Brickbats, occasionally found in heaps of debris from
Suresh Chaudhary, D.N. Yadav and Mohan Sharma, these levels provide evidence of some rich
resumed excavation at the main mound SWN-1 with constructions.
the objective to know more about the lay out and
Building activity increased to a great extent
settlement pattern of the site and its material culture. In
during the Kushan period when burnt-brick
all twenty-two quadrants of thirteen squares with each
structures were erected, but this being the last period
square measuring 10 m x 10 m were fully or partly
of activities at the site, the structures have been badly
excavated (fig. 11; pl. XXXVI).
damaged mainly due to levelling of the lands for
It was observed that the early settlements of the agricultural purposes in recent years as evident from
site were located closer to the River Kuwana the spread of brick debris throughout the top layers.
118
Three ring-wells (pls. XXXVIIB and XXXVIII) and animal figurines, pestles, ear-studs, toy-carts,
a brick-well were found during excavations which all wheels, wheel-cum-pendants, balls, dabber, net
belong to the Kushan period. Amongst the three ring- sinker, rattle, whistle, discs, tablets, stopper, stamp,
wells, one was exposed in Qd 1 of Sq D1 cut through ghata-and arecanut-shaped beads, bangles and
earlier levels with fifty-two rings, each being 13 cm to other miscellaneous objects, bone point, and arrow-
15 cm in height with the diameter of 80 cm (fig. 12). heads, bone and ivory wheels, crucibles, stone
Lime was used to seal the gaps between them and they objects, iron objects, semi-precious stone beads,
were sunk upto the water table. The brick-well glass beads, bangles and copper objects. Amongst
(pl. XXXIX A) was exposed in Qd 2 of E1 and Qd 3 the important antiquities, mention may be made of
of ZE 1 with fifty-seven courses of wedge-shaped Mauryan and Sunga female and Yakshi figures on
bricks measuring 26 cm x 24 cm to 30 cm x 8 cm. terracotta plaques, Sunga gaja-Lakshmi plaques,
These structures of Kushan period found on the eastern Mauryan and Sunga elephant figurines, Kushan bull,
slope of the mound suggest existence of the residential horse, a horse-rider and bird-shaped toy-carts, a
area there. Towards north-west of this, around the hoard of one hundred and thirty-five fragmentary
highest part of the mound and to the north of the Ram- bone points, gold plated earring, copper antimony
Janaki Temple, remains of a workshop of metal smiths rods, beads, bangles and a ring with a lion figure
was located which existed from the late levels of NBPW belonging to the Maurya-Sunga times. Fifty silver
phase to the Kushan period. Slags, complete and and copper coins were found from different levels
broken pieces of crucibles and metal pieces of iron including the punch-marked coins, uninscribed cast
and copper were found besides hearths of various copper coins, coins of Ayodhya rulers including those
shapes and size in Qd 4 of Sq ZA5 (pl. XXXIX B). of Dhanadeva and Kushan coins in copper.
Pottery as noticed during the previous year's More than four thousand animal remains from
excavation was again found with some more shapes. the site were studied by U.C. Chattopadhyaya of the
The pre-NBPW levels contained red ware, black University of Allahabad. The animal taxa identified
slipped ware and black-and-red ware including a few include Zebu, i.e., humped Indian cattle (Bos indicus),
sherds with white or black strokes painted over them. buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), horse (Equus caballus),
These types without paintings continued along with sheep/goat (Ovis/Capra), spotted deer (Axis axis),
NBPW in the next phase. Ceramics of Sunga and antelope (Antelope sp), wild boar (Sus scrofa),
Kushan periods were mainly red ware, both plain as domestic pig (Sus scrofa cristatus), pigmy hog (Sus
well as slipped. The typical dishes and bowls of silvanius), dog (Canis familiaris), cat (Felis sp.),
NBPW and pre-NBPW phases disappeared during hare (Lepus sp.), common rat (Rattus rattus),
Sunga and Kushan periods when incurved bowls bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis), tortoise (at
became diagnostic type. The Kushan period red ware least two species-Chitra indicus and Trionyx
also included basins, cooking pots, ink-pot lids, gangeticus) and fish of large, medium and small size,
spouted pots, sprinklers, handled pots, pans and vases. and Aves including fowl (Gallus galliformes).
More than six hundred and fifty antiquities were The overall picture from the lowest to the
found in the form of terracotta plaques, human and uppermost levels at the site suggests a predominantly
122
domesticated economy in which cattle bones have the archaeological sites out of which sixty-nine were found
largest representations. Other domesticated animals to be new discoveries. S.D. Ojha, K.D. Srivastava
include sheep/goat, pig, dog and cat. A large specimen and Rajendra Prasad Tripathi helped in locating the
(a molar) of horse from layer 7 of Trench ZA3 sites. An important achievement was the discovery of
(Quadrant 3) suggests that domesticated horse was Buddhist stupas at ten sites at Hansudi, Barhari Gaura,
introduced in this area. At the same time aquatic animals, Behil I, Baksari-Banni, Khajura Khurd, Katesar,
like tortoise and fish, constituted an important source Bhangura, Chetia, Bharat Bhari II and Thalapar
of human diet. The remains of bandicoot rat and besides further investigations at the stupa sites of
common rat suggest well settled life, associated with Birdpur and Rampur Reoti. Another important
storing grains. A few wild animals were also hunted discovery was of a very large tank of Kushan period
including wild boar, pigmy hog, deer and antelope. at Mundiar, 3 km east of Rudhauli where the exposed
parts of the southern and eastern walls of the tank
The fact that most of these species (excluding were found to be 60 m and 22.5 m respectively
perhaps dog and cat) constituted items of human diet (pl. XL) constructed of typical Kushan bricks
as is shown by the characteristic cut and chopping marks measuring 40 cm to 41 cm x 20 cm to 21 cm x 6.5 cm
observed in the bones. Another important feature of to 7 cm. Twelve courses of burnt-brick wall of the
faunal assemblage is the occurrence of worked bones. longer axis of the tank were exposed in the exploratory
A number of pieces from cattle metatarsus (compact sounding measuring 1.50 m x 1.50 m, the last two
tissue) were flaked to give shape of bone tools. courses of the wall were found buried in the natural
soil and the silt deposit was noticed over it upto fifth
52. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICTS BASTI AND SIDDHARTH
course of the wall. About 500 m east-south-east of
N AGAR
the tank, a habitational site was discovered at village
In continuation of the previous season's Dakharwa, the cultural assemblage of which goes
explorations (1995-96, p. 86), B.R. Mani of the back to the Kushan period. More than one hundred
Excavation Branch II, New Delhi, of the Survey, copper coins of the rulers of Ayodhya and Kushan
while camping at Siswania excavation camp and coins of Vima Kadphises, Kanishka and Huvishka
occasionally assisted by Vishnu Kant, R.K. Verma, were collected from different sites.
Ajay Kumar Srivastava, L.S. Mamani, V.P. Verma,
Y.S. Nayal, Vinod Kumar, R.S. Rana, Virendra Explored sites with their cultural assemblages are
Pandey and T.Z. Dani explor ed eighty-one as under:

Ajanv Medieval red ware
(4 km south of Chhitahi)
Amilahwa Black-and-red ware and red ware of

(42 km north-east of Basti and Kushan period
2 km south of Mehdawal)
126
Aosara Medieval red ware

(1 kmwestof
Ghosiari)
Arail Kushan red ware, medieval brick well

(12 km north of Basti)
Bahera Mafi Medieval Siva Temple with a (thirty-four line)

(52 km north-east of Basti) Sanskrit inscription, chaturmukha Siva-linga and
sculptures of Surya, Rahu, Ganesa, devi and Nandi
Baksari-Banni Site (200x200 m) with a circular brick structure of

(1 km east of Thokawa) about 40 m diameter, perhaps a stupa; stone
sculpture of Mahishasurarmardini, NBPW, black-
and-red ware, black-slipped ware, grey ware and
Kushan red ware and brick (43 cm x 27 cm x 6 cm)
Baksari II Medieval brick structure and red ware

(200 m south-east of Baksari-Banni)
Bankechor Bargadwa Medieval fort and temple

Barhari Gaura Kushan-Gupta red ware, probably a stupa, dia 30 m

Baudhara Medieval well and Samai Than

(3 km east of Tedhawa)
Behil I Temple of Behilnath (modern) constructed on an

(500 m north of Hatwa II) ancient circular brick structure of about 3 m in height
with bricks measuring 33 cm to 34 cm x 22 cm x
5 cm to 6 cm; more brick structures and ceramics
127
towards its west including black-slipped ware, grey

ware, degenerated NBPW, fine red ware and
Kushan red ware and parts of ring-well. The site is
identifiable with an ancient monastery of grama-
nigama of Kosala called Vehalinga or Vebhalinga
where Buddha preached the Ghatikara Sutta as
contained in Majjhimanikaya
Behil II Mound (250 m x 250 m) with black-slipped ware,
(300 northof Behil I) grey and red wares, the probable site of the grama-
nigama of Vehalinga
Belava Kushan red ware

(52 km north east of Basti)
Bhadana Red ware of Kushan and medieval periods

(11 km north-west of Basti)
Bhangura Circular brick structure (dia 5 m) and Kushan red

(13 km north of Basti) ware
Bharat Bhari I Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware and

(8 km north-east of Doomariaganj) Kushan red ware; structures with bricks (35 cm *
24 cm * 6 cm), terracotta human and animal figurines
BharatBhari II Two circular brick mounds (dia 40 m and 18 m

(500 m north-west of Bharat Bhari I) respectively), supposed to be stupas, Siva-linga and
to the south is a habitational site with Kushan red
ware
Bhaukhari Kushan, Gupta and post-Gupta red ware, sand

(29 km north of Basti) stone headless sculpture of Jaina Mahavira, glazed
ware of medieval period
128
Bhelwal Kushan and medieval red ware, glass bangles, bricks

(35 cm x 22 cm x 6 cm and 29cm x 22 cm x 6 cm)
(11 km south-west of Basti)
Birdpur Brick stupa

(9 km south of Piprahwa)
Chando Tal Medieval red ware

(14 km south-west of Basti)
Chetia Mound (80 m x 80 m) with a height of 4.5 m seems

(500 m north-west of Dasia)
to represent a stupa (chetiya) corresponding to the
name of the village. About 100 m north-west of it is
located the habitational area with black-slipped
ware, grey ware, black-and-red ware and early,
Kushan and medieval red wares
Chhardahi Late medieval Siva Temple

(1 km east of Devdand)
Chhitahi Medieval brick structures and red ware

(31 km south-east of Basti)
Chhitahi-Majharia Red ware, glazed ware, broken lower part of

(300 m west of Kotia) Mahishasuramardini
Dasia Red ware of Kushan and medieval periods

Black-slipped ware, grey ware and red ware of early,

Deokali
(2 km west-north-west of Yashoval) Kushan and medieval periods; a Sunga terracotta
plaque
129
Devdand Kushan red ware and terracotta pestle, sling-ball

(2 km east of Gaighat)
and dabber
Dhaurahra Kushan terracotta, red ware and brick (54 cm

(2 km north-east of Hansudi) 24 cm x 6 cm) and brick structures
Dhuriadih Kushan and medieval red ware

(2.5 km north of Mehdawal)
Gabha Kushan red ware

(1 km north of Itauwa)
Gaighat Medieval Siva-linga

(26 km south of Basti)
Gana Kushan red ware, post-Gupta stone sculptures of

(10 km east of Kalvari) Ganesa and Vishnu
Ganauna (Gangauri) Kushan red ware and terracotta pestles

Ganavar Medieval Siva Temple

GauraRohari Kushan red ware

Gedar NBPW, black-slipped ware, grey ware and red

(3 km north of Thokawa) ware of early and Kushan period
Gharighat Black-and-red ware, red ware of early and Kushan

(500 m south-west of Katesar) period, carnelian beads
130
Ghosiari Medieval red ware and glazed ware

(3 km north of Bahera Mafi)
Hatwa I Early medieval red ware and circular floors

Hatwa II Early medieval red ware

(200 m north of Hatwa 1)
Hansudi Kushan red ware, area approximately 200 sq m with

(1.5 km north-west of Ganavar) brick structure of a stupa (dia 40 m and height 7 m)
Imlidiha Red ware of Kushan period, terracotta animal figu-

(300 m south-east of Dasia) rines and beads, glass bangles
Itauwa An extensive mound (500 m x 300 m) with brick

(5 km east-north-east of Khajura-Khurd) structures and ring-wells; black-slipped ware,
NBPW, grey ware and red ware of early and
Kushan period
Jogiya I Degenerated NBPW, Kushan and Gupta red ware

(62 km north-east of Basti)
Jogiya II Medieval temple of Yogamaya

(1 km east of Jogiya I)
Kalvari Late medieval temple and tank

Kanwar-Kanwari Kushan red ware, brick structures with brick

(2 km north of Yashoval) (34 cm x 24 cm * 6 cm)
131
Village/site Nature of remains
Karahna NBPW, black-and-red ware, black-slipped ware,

(1 km east of Kanwar-Kanwari) grey ware and red ware of early and Kushan period
Katesar Circular brick mound (dia 30 m) with bricks

(4 km north-west of Arail) (28 cm x 20.5 cm x 5 cm), supposed to be a stupa
and some red ware sherds of Kushan period
Khajura Khurd A circular brick mound (dia 30 m and height 2.5 m)

(2.5 km south-east of Karahna) supposed to be a stupa with red ware of Kushan
period in its vicinity
Kotia Kushan red ware, medieval red ware and glazed

(1 km west of Pala) ware
Kusauna Khurd Black-slipped ware and red ware of Kushan period

Loharauli-Sonaura Kushan red ware, post-Gupta sandstone sculpture

(1.5 km north of Mehdawal) of Ganesa
Madain Kushan and medieval red ware, bricks (39 cm x

(3 km east-north-east of Bhangura) 2 1 . 5 cmx 1 1 c ma n d3 8 c mx 2 1 c mx 1 1 c m)
Majhauwa Kushan red ware

(400 m west of Gharighat)
Meerganj Kushan and medieval red ware and bricks (35 cm

(29 km east of Basti) x 22.5 cm x 6cm)
Mundiar I Kushan water reservoir and red ware

132
Mundiar II (Dakharwa) Kushan red ware, grey ware, glazed ware and
(500 m east of Mundiar I) terracotta ring-well
Mundiari NBPW, red ware, terracotta pestles and dabber

(3 km west of Ajanv)
Naugarh Early medieval red ware, glass bangles and terracotta

(1 km east of Othganpur) balls
Othganpur Early medieval red ware

(3.5 km south-west of Basti)
Pala Late medieval indigo factory

(4 km north of Bahera Mafi)
Paun NBPW, black-slipped ware, grey ware and red ware

(23 km south of Basti) of Kushan period, terracotta pestles and bricks
(40 cm x24cmx 6cm; 38 cm x 22 cm x 7cm; 38
cm x 24.5 cm x 6 cm and 35 cm x 21 cm x 6
cm)
Pipra Gautam Kushan and medieval red ware and brick

(1 km east of Bhelwal)
Ramnagar Kushan red ware and brick (28 cm x 28 cm x

(500 m west of Barhari Gaura) 8.5 cm)
Rampur Degenerated NBPW, grey ware, Kushan and me-

(1 km north of Gana) dieval red ware
133
RampurReoti Modem temple housing post-Gupta damaged stone

(5 km south of Thalapar) sculptures over a circular mound (dia 30 m) with
brick structures suggesting a stupa; decorated bricks
of post-Gupta period found reused in a modern
circular structure
Selhara Red ware of Sunga-Kushan and medieval periods

(1 km east of Thokawa)
Shankarpur Kushan red ware

Siktaur I Remains of a late medieval indigo godown

Siktaur II Kushan red ware

(100 m north of Siktaur I)
Siswa Medieval fortress

(3.5 km north-east of Bhaukhari)
SiyaraJhunri NBPW, black-slipped ware and red ware of Kushan

(1.5 km south-east of Pala) period
Tedhawa Red ware of medieval period

(49 km north-east of Basti in Bakhira Tal)
Thalapar Two circular brick mounds, presumably stupas,

(1 km east of Ganauna) Kushan red ware and terracotta pestles
134
Thokawa Kushan red ware

Udsara Kushan red ware and bricks (40 cm x 23 cm

(37 km east of Basti) 6.5 cm)
UchahraKalan I Kushan red ware, structures with bricks (39 cm x

(1 km east of Madain) 21.5 cm x 11 cm, 38 cm x 22 cm x 6 cm) and
terracotta human figurines
Uchahra II Kushan red ware

500 m south-west of Uchahra Kalan
Yashoval (Jaswal) Kushan-Gupta red ware, sculpture of Surya and

(54 km north-east of Basti) remains of a medieval brick temple
Trial-excavation was carried out at Pipari (26° 50' Kushan (pl. XLI B) and Gupta (pl. XLII A) periods.
6" N; 82° 58' 30" E), 42 km north-east of Basti, in a Almost all the regular features of red ware of Kushan
trench measuring 2 m x 1.5 m, to know the cultural and Gupta periods were found besides important
sequence of the site in view of earlier findings of various antiquities, including a terracotta sealing with an
shapes in fine red ware, black-slipped ware, black-and- inscription in Gupta Brahmi characters reading Sri
red ware, NBPW and grey ware from the site. The cultural Gajantasya with a bull figurine on the top, terracotta
deposit was found to be only 37 cm thick having two pestles, beads, human and animal figurines, a piece of
distinct layers below which was natural soil (pi. XLI A). soapstone casket, iron ring, green glass bead, green
Similar result was found from section scraping and it was and black glass bangles and copper fish-hook.
confirmed that the site represents a single culture site
The two seasons of explorations in the region
datable to about sixth century to third century BC.
not only brought to light some very significant
Trial-excavation was also carried out at Orai archaeological sites, but some of these sites were also
(26°44'30"N; 82°48'20"E), 15 km south-east of identified with ancient settlements mentioned in the
Basti, in a quadrant measuring 4.25 m x 4.25 m, to Pali literature in connection with Lord Buddha's life.
know the cultural sequence of the site. The cultural These identifications have been based on the size and
deposits of 2.72 m revealed a sequence of two periods antiquity of sites, similarities in the ancient and present
represented by red ware and brick structures of names and their geographical locations. Accordingly
135
Behil with ancient Vehalinga, Ama with Atuma, Nagar 53. EXPLORATION ALONG THE ALAKANANDA VALLEY,
with Nagaraka nigama, Siswania with Simsapavana DISTRICT CHAMOLI
of Setavya, Mehdawal with Medalumpa, Ukada with In continuation of the previous year's
Ukkattha, Saltauwa with Salavatika and towards (1995-96, pp. 86-88) work, B.P. Badoni assisted by
further north-east the township of Nautanwa with B.B.S. Rawat of the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology
ancient Nivartana chaitya from where Siddhartha Department (Pauri Unit), under the direction of Rakesh
returned Chhandaka and Kanthaka back to Tewari, conducted exploration along the Alakananda
Kapilavastu and Kaudiram with Koliyagrama are the valley from Karnaprayag to Helang in District Chamoli.
important city and township identified. The sites are listed below:
Chamoli Arthala Red pottery
-do- Bemaru Ruins of medieval temple and sculptures of

Mahishamardini Durga and Uma-Mahesa
-do- Gadora Medieval sculpture of Vinadhara Siva and a late

medieval sculpture of Ganesa
-do- Garhi Huge sculpture of Kubera placed on a lonely hillock,

locally known as Garhi and sherds of red ware
-do- Hat Medieval temples and naula with sculptures of

Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesa and chaturmukha-linga
-do- Koteshwar Medieval temple-group and sculpture of Parvati,

Ganesa, Seshasayi Vishnu
-do- Maldhar Two temples of medieval period along with the

sculptures of Parvati, Ganesa, Uma-Mahesa and
Mahishamardini Durga
138
Tehsil Village/Sites Nature of remains
Chamoli Mandal Group of medieval temples and sculptures
-do- Masaun Remains of ancient temple
-do- Nandaprayag Medieval sculpture of Surya
-do- Raitoli Medieval sculptures of Surya, Parvati, Ganesa and

red ware sherds
Joshimath Barosi Medieval sculptures of Parvati and Ganesa
-do- Pakhi Sculptures of Durga, Vishnu, Ganesa and Brahmani
Karnaprayag Girsa A late medieval temple with sculptures of standing

Vishnu and Seshasayi Vishnu
-do- Langusu Medieval sculptures of Chamunda and Ganesa
54. EXCAVATION AT S ANKISA, D ISTRICT

FARRUKHABAD the antiquity of the site besides the Asokan elephant
In continuation of the previous season's work capital. In all twelve quadrants were excavated fully
(1995-96, pp. 89-97), Excavation Branch II, New or partly from which three hundred and twenty-five
Delhi, of the Survey, under the direction of B.R. Mani, antiquities were recovered besides the usual ceramics
assisted by Vishnu Kant, Ajay Kumar Srivastava, L.S. found in the first season's excavation work,
Mamani, V.P. Verma, Y.S. Nayal, Vinod Kumar, R.S. confirming the earlier results. From the upper levels
Rana, Ajay Kumar, Virendra Pandey, T.Z. Dani, in some of the trenches, Gupta red ware and
Suresh Choudhary, D.N. Yadav and Mohan Sharma terracotta figurines were also found in association
resumed excavation at the site with a view to know with brick structures which suggest that this sacred
139
area for the Buddhists witnessed continuous activities conducted by Sir A. Cunningham and others, as a
from NBP W period to Gupta period. coin of East India Company of 1853 was found from
the deposit. A brick structure of two courses with
Remains of two parallel located elliptical only a few in situ bricks was found. The bricks (54
structures of about 6 m length were noticed (pl. XLIIB) cm x 27 cm x 9 cm) were perhaps part of a structure
in the upper levels in Sq B6, Qds 3 and 4 and Sq of pre-Kushan period. A floor was also associated
B7 Qd 2 having triple brickbats lining of single course with it. Further levels below this belong to NBPW
in each of them. It is difficult to interpret their period mixed with PGW. It is quite evident that these
functional purpose. In the levels below this were trenches abutting the brick mound, supposed to be
partly exposed structures belonging to Kushan period the main stupa, containing thick deposit of brick
(pl. XLIII A). A deep pit sealed by NBPW levels debris in the topmost layer, point to some important
and cut through the natural soil contained a complete
construction in the close vicinity which was damaged
pot of black-slipped ware (pl. XLIII B). Brick
in due course of time.
structures of Gupta, Kushan and Sunga periods were
also noticed in Sq ZF-15, Qds 1 and 2; ZE-15, Qd As stated above, pottery of different periods
2; ZE-16 Qds 2 and 3. A plan of a room was found during excavations confirmed the results of
exposed there towards the west of the site of Asokan the first season. Besides pottery, important antiquities
elephant capital. It was noticed to be around 4 sq m from the site include terracotta objects such as sixteen
with the section facing north showing walls of three human (pl. XLV), and twelve animal figurines,
successive phases (pl. XLIV A). It was found that twenty-nine beads and pendants, ten pieces of
bricks (53 cm to 54 cm x 24 cm x 6 cm ) were bangles, forty-eight discs, fourteen wheels, forty-
used in the pre-Kushan age which were reused in eight miscellaneous objects and six hopscotches.
the successive phases along with decorated bricks Also found were nine stone beads, five copper coins,
in the third phase. In the later phases an entrance forty-one metallic objects, thirty-two glass bangle
was also provided towards the eastern side. This pieces and beads, four stone objects, seven pieces
room may be a part of a monastery which seems to of shell bangles and one stone human head. Four
have existed from Maurya to Gupta period. broken parts of stone sculptures and terracotta
Evidences of fallen brick structures and brick robbing figurines were collected from Sarai Agahat, another
were also noticed. site at a distance of about 2 km north-west of
Sankisa. A large number of loose sculptures were
F our qua dr a nts w er e ex ca va t e d noticed lying at five different places in the village and
towards north-east of the so-called Stupa a huge ekamukha Siva-linga of post-Gupta period
mound (pl. XLIV B). InQd 1 ofZD9andQd2 was also seen there.
of ZC 8 the upper levels were found fully disturbed,
perhaps due to filling up of the area in later times. In 55. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT GONDA
Qds 1 and 4 of ZC-8, brick debris of the thickness The Department of Ancient Indian History
of 1.50 m was found from the surface downwards and Archaeology, University of Lucknow,
and the deposit of layer 2 below it was found Lucknow, under the direction of Devi Prasad
disturbed, which might be because of excavations Tewari, assisted by Durgesh Kumar
142
Srivastava, Brijesh Kumar Pandey and formed District of Balrampur and discovered the
Ambarish Chandra Saxena completed the survey following sites.
in the Rapti-Kuwano valley in Gonda and a newly
Amarahwa Black-and-red ware, red ware (Kushan)
Azabnagar Red ware (early medieval)
Bafawan Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware (Kushan

and early medieval)
Bansedila Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, red ware

(Kushan)
Bhadawan Red ware (early medieval)
Bhairampur Grey ware, black-slipped ware, red ware ( Kushan/

Gupta/early medieval)
Bhakasiniya Red ware (early medieval)
Bisunpur Red ware (early medieval)
ChakawaKulhi Black-and-red ware and red ware (Kushan/ early

medieval)
Charo Black-slipped ware, red ware (Kushan/Gupta)
Chiti Grey ware, black-and-red ware, red ware (Kushan/

Gupta)
144
EXPLORATIONS AND EXCA VATIONS
Devaria - Mubarakpur Red ware (medieval)
Devaria - Vishwambharpur Red ware, black-and-red ware (Kushan)
Dhanaulidihwa Red ware with bright slip (Kushan)
Dhobaha Red ware, decorated tiles (Kushan)
Ghorcharhi Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
GumariBajar Red ware, black-and-red ware (Kushan/Gupta)
Harbanspur Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, red ware

(Kushan and early medieval)
Harikishna Red ware, black-and-red ware (Kushan)
Juadhan Red ware, black-and-red ware (medieval)
Kalandarpur Red ware (medieval)
Kandhabhari Black-and-red ware, red ware (Kushan)
Katahiya Red ware and black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Khakharebhari Red ware (early medieval)
Koncha-Khas deeh Black-slipped ware, red ware (early medieval)

(Konch-Kasimpur)
145
Village/Site Nature on remains
Lawada deeh and pre Mughal) Black-slipped ware, red ware
Laxmanpur (early medieval)
MahadevaMisra Grey ware, black slipped ware, black-and-red ware

and red ware (contemporary to NBPW)
Mai Parmeshvari Devi Sthan Red ware, broken piece of terracotta (Kushan and
(Mehanavan) Gupta)
Malangasthana (Jagadeva) Grey ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-red

ware, red ware, cord-impressed pottery, stone chips
and cores of chert, agate (pre-NBPW, sixth century
BC to Gupta period)
Malari Deeha Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, red ware

(early medieval)
Naubasta Red ware (medieval)
PanahiyaDihwa Grey ware, red ware (early medieval)
PeharBharia Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)
Black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware, red ware

Ragai (pre- Kushan)
Red ware, ruins of fort (early medieval and medieval)

Raja-ki-dyodhi (Mehanavan)
Red ware, black-and-red ware (early medieval)

RampurMurare
zed ware, red ware (Kushan
146
RampurSahana Red ware (early medieval)
Rukhedeeh Red ware (early medieval)
Sahabara Red ware (early medieval)
Sekhui Kalan Red ware (Kushan)
Shahapur-Itai Black-slipped ware, red ware (Kushan)
Sirsia Red ware (early medieval)
Sonar Black-slipped ware, red ware (early medieval)
Survandeeha Red ware (Kushan and Gupta)
Tendua Rachhaura Red ware (Kushan and early medieval)
Tikauli Grey ware, NBPW, black-slipped ware, red ware

(sixth century to Gupta period)
Udaipur Grey ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-red

ware (pre-NBPW) red ware
Vishua Red ware (late medieval)

Ganesh
56. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT LALITPUR Jhansi Unit, under the direction of Rakesh Tewari,
undertook exploration in Birdha Development Block.
In continuation of the pr evious year 's
(1995-96,pp. 104-105) work, AmbikaPrasad Singh During the course of exploration, a number of
of the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department, ancient monuments, stone sculptures and other
147
archaeological remains datable from circa ninth

to nineteenth century were noticed. A medieval the lalatabimba. A fourteen-armed Vishnu(Circa
temple, known as Ranachora Temple, originally twelfth century) image is found installed in the
with a flat roof over its sanctum, is noteworthy to garbhagriha.
which a dome was added later. An image of
Vishnu mounted on garuda is found carved on Following is the list of sites with evidence of
archaeological remains.
Medieval sculptures, Ram-Janaki Mandir (circa

Airawani nineteenth century) and sari-stone
Medieval sculptures
Andela
Medieval sculptures
Bachhalapur
Ram-Raja Temple (circa eighteenth-nineteenth

Bajarra century)
Medieval sculptures, fort, step-well, temples (circa

Balabehat eighteenth century) and Jaina sarvatobhadrika
Medieval sculptures, sari-stone

BamhoriBansha
Red ware (medieval), Siva-linga, medieval

Bamhori Bansha sculptures and Sapta-matrika panel
Medieval sculptures and ruins of a Garhi

Bangaria
Medieval sculptures Medieval sculptures

Betana
148
EXPLORA TIONS AND EXCA VA TIONS
Village/Stte Nature of remains
Birari Ruins of a Garhi
Birdha Medieval sculptures, Ram-Raja Temple (circa

eighteenth-nineteenth century)
Chandera Remains of a medieval temple
Chandpur Early medieval temples, sculptures, medieval

temples, sculptures, sahasra-linga, sarovara and
sari-stones
Chararau Early medieval and medieval sculptures, sati-stone
Medieval sculptures Medieval temple and

Chhilla
sculptures
Dhojari
Medieval sculptures, Jaina temple (circa nineteenth

Dongra Kalan
century) and dilapidated chhatri
Early medieval and medieval temples, sculptures,

Dudhai
and sati-stones
Medieval sculptures
Hanotiya
Siva-linga and medieval sculptures

Kevalari
Jaina temple (circa seventeenth-eighteenth century),

Khajuria
Siva Temple (circa eighteenth century), Mural i
Manohara Temple (circa nineteenth century), ruins
of a Garhi and chhatri
149
Khitwans Medieval sculptures
Kumarola Medieval sculptures
Lidhora Medieval sculptures and temples
Magarpur Siva-linga and sari-stone
Manwar Medieval sculptures and remains of temple
Neemkhera Medieval sculptures and sari-stone
Padana Medieval sculptures
Patasemara Medieval sculptures and sari-stones
Pataua Medieval sculptures
Pali Medieval Siva (Nilakanthesvara) Temple, chhatri

(circa nineteenth century)
PipariaPali Medieval sculptures
Salaiya Medieval sculptures
Singepur Medieval sculptures and sari-stones
Thagari Medieval sculptures
150
Tile Medieval sculptures
Umaria Siva-/linga, Jaina temple (circa eighteenth century)
Uttamdhana Remains of medieval temple and sculptures
57. EXCAVATION AT RAMASARE PURWA, DISTRICT periods with a sub-division in Period II. The site
LUCKNOW was occupied without any break.
The Department of Ancient Indian History and
Archaeology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, The earliest settlers of Period I, built their
under the general direction of S.N. Misra, S.B. huts possibly of perishable material like reed or
Singh, and D.P. Tewari, assisted by Anoop Kumar leaves in the late Kushan age in the second-third
Singh, Durgesh Kumar Srivastava and post- century AD, as post-holes have been found on
graduate students of Archaeology group, undertook the floors. Period I is actually represented by 35
excavation at Ramasare Purwa situated on the cm thick deposit, and was characterized by the
so ut h- east subur ba n o f Luck no w c it y Kushan red ware, with deep bowls and flaring
(26° 50'32"N; 81 ° 1 '2"E). The extensive mound sides and truncated base including other red wares
covering an area of 2 sq km was found to be cut and ceramics. The ceramics represent Kushan red
into four parts by rail and cart tracks. The eastern ware with bright red slip, stamped designs
part of the mound being large, with a height of 3 m showing sigmas, concentric circles, horizontal
to 4 m above the surrounding plain. lines and triangles with dots. The red pottery,
which are at times burnished, represent bowls,
Three Trenches RAP-1, RAP-2 and RAP-3 dishes, vases, along with a number of sprinklers,
were sunk on the eastern part of the mound upto a few sherds of black ware in layer number five
the natural soil in order to establish the cultural possibly of bowls and dishes, miniature vases in
sequence of this site and also to ascertain the nature different shapes and water vessles. A complete
of habitation. specimen of a potter's stamp with criss-cross
design and concentric circles was also picked up.
The excavation though limited in nature, Knobbed-lids and ink-pot type lids were profuse
revealed a succession of three periods. The earliest in number. Trench RAP-2 revealed two bhattis
is the late Kushan period, followed by Gupta age at a depth of 1.05 m, the largest one measuring
and superimposed by the early medieval period. It 2.30 m in diameter in round shape, with a depth
seems that the first habitation at the site started on of 85 cm (pl. XLVI A). The smaller bhatti, circular
sand-dunes and continued in three successive in shape, 1.13 m in diameter is 45 cm in depth;
151
the finds here include complete Kushan red ware the Gupta style. A broken terracotta representing an
consisting of miniature vases and jars etc. along animal head with long neck, and another showing the
with lot of ashes and charcoal. trunk of an elephant are other interesting finds of this
period. Besides a broken beak-faced terracotta
A few terracotta figurines are noteworthy,
animal figurine, beads and a copper antimony rod,
depicting a bull with a prominent hump (pl. XLVIB),
also found were a iron knife and a hook.
shown majestically and animal head with lozenge-
shaped eyes represented on a spout of a certain pot. Period III represented by 25 cm thick deposit,
was characterized by knife-edged bowls and ether
Period II comprised two sub-phases: the early
early medieval wares, including glazed ware. Pottery
Gupta period and the late Gupta period, characterized
is mostly wheel-turned and red in fabric depicting
by the occurrence of Gupta terracottas and ceramics.
bowls, jars, vases, miniature vessels and other wares.
The sub-phase is represented by a number of Some thick and sturdy pottery consisting of storage-
mud-floors in Trenches RAP-1 and 2 and post-holes. jars were also found. Spouted-vessels, button-
The ceramic industries characteristic of the sub-period knobbed lids were also discovered. A few perforated
A and B are red ware, with red slip along with medium sherds, probably lids, are among the other finds. A
and coarse red ware. The shapes included storage- floor constructed in rubbles found in Trench RAP-2,
jars, vases, dishes, carinated handis and miniature belongs to the early medieval period. It seems that
vessels, button-knobbed lids, ink-pot lids and the brickbats were rammed for preparing the floor.
sprinklers etc. along with spouted-vessels. Black-
slipped ware, sturdy and coarse red ware, along with A few broken terracottas are noteworthy in this
period, representing a broken torso probably of a
some stamped-pots with floral designs were also
female figure with slightly raised left leg and stretched
found in this period.
right leg. A head probably of a monkey with open
A few specimens of terracotta figurines mouth and small ears, a terracotta figurine with beaked-
recovered from this level deserve special mention. face, a broken foot of human being and a bust of a
Among these a delicate female bust with graceful male figure, with right hand placed on the chest are
appearance and taut breasts, wearing ekavali in her other interesting specimens of this period. Another
neck (early Gupta period); beautiful bust of a female noteworthy find consists of a copper coin, bearing a
figure having oval face, full cheek, lotus-shaped eyes, legend in Arabic Zarabo fee misra, dated Hizari 277
thick lips and fine eye-brows, ear ornament, well- (coin minted in Egypt in circa AD 899). The reverse
combed hair arranged in tiers and tied in knot-like is obliterated. This is probably found on the upper
juda at the top; a broken bust of a female figure surface of the mound, confirming our dates of the early
wearing ekavali, other features being similar; besides medieval period to the uppermost strata of this site.
broken hind portion of an animal in terracotta with tail
entwined are particularly noteworthy. From Trench 58. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT MIRZAPUR
RAP-2, a terracotta female head with curly hair, Prahlad Kumar Singh and Girish Chandra Singh
arranged in tiers was also found. It has an oval face, of the State Archaeology Department, Government
full cheek, lotus-shaped eyes and thick lips, typical of of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, under the direction of
153
Rakesh Tewari, conducted exploration in fifty-one sikhara, divided by bhumi-amalakas.

villages in Block Halia of the Lalganj sub-division. Purvabhimukha entrance-doors comprise three
dvara-sakhas, decorated with patra-sakha and
The most important finds of this exploration were naga motifs. The tails of naga shown on either
the two small temples of Pratihara period belonging side are held in the hands of Garuda
to circa ninth century AD. One of them is situated at depicted on lalatabimba.
Bardiha Khurd village while the other one is in Batoan
village of Halia block. A number of temple remains, sculptures and
architectural members have been found scattered in
Both the temples consist of a triratha the area.
garbhagriha preceded by an antarala. The elevation
displays jagati, elevated by three bhittis, vedibandha Besides, numerous sites yielded red ware,
decorated with khura, kumbha, kalasa, black ware, black-and-red ware and grey wares,
antarapatra and kapota moulding; jangha - bearing most of which belong to the medieval period. The
niches showing Ganesa, Surya and Parvati, and sites are as under.
Tehsil Village/Site Nature of remains
Halia Bardiha khurd Medieval temple remains and Brahmanical

sculptures, inscription and red ware
-do- Batoan Medieval temple remains and Brahmanical

sculptures, red ware
-do- Deori Red ware,black ware, black-and-red ware,

medieval temple remains and Brahmanical sculptures
-do- Matkhana Red ware, black ware (medieval)
Lalganj Amaha Medieval red ware and Brahmanical sculptures
-do- Amriti Medieval red ware
-do- Atri Medieval red ware
154
Tehsil Village/Site Name of remains
Lalganj AtriDakkin Red ware and microliths
--do-- Baghai Medieval red ware
do-- Bami Red ware, grey ware, medieval temple remains
do-- BamniGaharwar Medieval red ware and temple remains
Banawan Red ware, black-and-red ware, microliths

-do-
Banwari Medieval red ware
-do- Barhar Medieval red ware
Baripur Medieval red ware
Baruan Medieval red ware
Microliths, red ware, red-slipped ware, black-

Basuhara slipped ware and black-and-red ware
Red ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-red ware

Bhatwari and grey ware
Red ware, red-slipped ware, black-slipped ware,

Bidavr early medieval temple remains and sculptures
Medieval red ware and black ware

Bilah
Medieval red ware

BilahChak
155
Tehsil VitlagelSite Nature of remains

Lalganj Bilahi Medieval red ware
-do- Bindli Red ware, black ware and black-and-red ware
-do- BistraPande Medieval Brahmanical sculptures
-do- BistraRaja Medieval red ware
-do- Chapla Medieval red ware
-do- CharkiGuriwan Medieval red ware
-do- Chitha Microliths and medieval red ware
-do- Chhitang Medieval red ware
-do- ChireiramJailal Medieval temple remains
-do- ChigriramKota Medieval red ware
-do- Dadari Raja Red ware, black-and-red ware
-do- Dandi Medieval red ware
-do- Dhasra Red ware, medieval Brahmanical sculptures
-do- DhasraRaja Red ware, black-and-red ware
-do- Dhendhi Medieval red ware and red-slipped ware
156
Lalganj - Dhopapur Red ware and black-and-red ware
do-- Dibhor Late medieval temple and medieval red ware
do- Dohar NBPW, red ware, black-slipped ware, black-and-

red ware, grey ware, microliths; early medieval temple
remains and sculptures
-do- DubarKalan Medieval red ware
-do- Dulahpur Medieval red ware
-do- Gangahra Kalan Medieval red ware
-do- Ganjaria Medieval red ware and red-slipped ware
-do- Garba Medieval red ware and black ware
-do- Ghurman Medieval red ware
-do- Gobindiya Red ware, red-slipped ware, black-slipped ware and

black-and-red ware
-do- GondarKhurd Medieval red ware
-do- Hardiha Medieval red ware
-do- Harra Red ware and black-slipped ware
157
Lalganj Hathera Red ware, black-and-red ware, red-slipped ware,

microliths, megalithic burials and black-slipped ware
-do- Jagdishpur Medieval red ware
-do- JaikarKalan Medieval red ware
-do- JaikarKhurd Red and black wares
-do- Kanohi Raja Medieval red ware
-do- Kanohi Muafi No. 1 Red ware
-do- Kanohi Muafi No. 2 Medieval red ware
-do- Katai Grey ware, red ware and black-slipped ware
-do- Kathwar Medieval temple remains
-do- Kewaijhar Medieval red ware
-do- Khaira Kalan Medieval red ware and black ware
-do- Khajuri Medieval red ware and grey ware
-do- Khamaria Medieval red ware
-do- Khera Bhabutata Prasad Red and black wares
158
Lalganj KhomarMaina Medieval red ware
-do- Khurda Medieval red ware
-do- Kolha Medieval red ware
-do- Kotar Early medieval temple remains and

sculptures, megalithic burials, red
ware, black-and-red ware and red-
slipped ware
-do- KothiKhurd Medieval red ware
KulkamKalan Megaliths
-do-
Kuluha Megaliths
-do-
Lahangpur Medieval red ware

-do-
Laina Red ware, black-slipped ware and red-

-do- slipped ware
-do- Lalganj Medieval red ware
Lian Red ware, black-slipped ware, red-

-do- slipped ware and black-and-red
ware
-do- Magardaha Red ware
-do- Mahurgarh Red ware, red-slipped ware and black-

slipped ware
159
Lalganj - MainaGosain Red ware, medieval temple remains
do- Majhigawan Microliths, medieval red ware and black-and-red

ware
-do- Majhiyar Upper Palaeolithic blades, microliths, grey ware, red

ware, black-slipped ware, punch-marked coins,
early medieval temple remains and sculptures
-do- Manikpur Medieval red ware
-do- Meouri Medieval red ware
-do- Mundwa Nawada Red ware, black-and-red ware
-do- Nadgahana Medieval red ware
-do- Naraina Red ware, grey ware, black-and-red ware
-do- Naugawan Microliths, red ware, black-slipped ware, black-

and-red ware and red-slipped ware
-do- Newadhia Red ware and black-and-red ware
-do- Panjra Red ware and black-and-red ware
-do- Parsia Gokul Red ware, black ware and medieval temple remains
-do- Patar Kalan Medieval red ware and black ware
160

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INDIAN ARCHAEOLOGY 1996-97

PUBLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

Price : Rs. 700.00

(KASTURI GUPTA MENON)

I. Explorations and Excavations ... ... ... ... ... ... 1

II. Epigraphy ... ... ... ... ... ... 181

V. Radiocarbon Dates ... ... ... ... ... ... 194

VII. Museums ... ... ............... ............... 205

Treatment and Preservation of Excavated Objects and Museum Exhibits, 320

XII. Publications ... ... .......................................... 326

1. EXPLORATIONS AND EXCAVATION

ANDHRA PRADESH This is a 15 acre cultivated land with an

Ismail Kellellu of the Department of Ancient 3. EXCAVATION AT KOTHAPATNAM, DISTRICT NELLORE

4. EXCAVATION AT PAVURALLAKONDA, DISTRICT pond measuring 38 m x 28 m about 60 m south of

So far, no evidence of an external bastion at embossed impressions of 'unicorn' figure and a

18. EXPORATION IN DISTRICT KINNAUR

Village/Sites Nature of remains

Four temples in pagoda-style, on a stone plinth with

Kalpa Vishnu Temple-complex in pagoda-style comprises

Kamru Buddhist temple, squarish on plan, battering roof of

Kaphnu A rectangular temple in pagoda-style with high plinth

Kilba Badri Narayana Temple-complex in pagoda-style

Kilba A baoli (tank) locally known as Bayo-Mating,

Kothi The Mahakali Durga Mandir-complex in pagoda-

Village/Sites Nature of remains

Nachar Three wooden temples in pagoda-style with taper-

Roghi The Narayana Temple-complex in pagoda-style

Sangla Devi Mandir-complex in pagoda-style showing

Sapni Peeri Nag Temple-complex in pagoda-style having

Sungra Siva Temple-complex in pagoda-style consisting of

KARNATAKA fortification has been cleared of its debris to a length of

Appayyanahalli Cist-burials; mound with iron-slag, remnants of

Belligatta Microliths made on chert, iron-smelting site, hero-

Ekkegundi Iron-smelting site

(14° 46' 30"; 76° 35' 20")

Gudikote Microliths, rock-shelters with paintings, temple,

Village/Sites Nature of remains

Gundumunugu Inscriptions and remnants of a mud-fort (post

Halasagara Microliths, Neolithic implements, cist-burials, hero-

Haralihalu Tanks (post-Vijayanagara period); Saiva sculptures,

Haravadi Hero-stones (Vijayanagara period) and iron-

Hulikunta Remnants of a medieval fort

Jarmali Rock paintings, forts, hero-stones, temples and

Kasapur Tanks (Vijayanagara period) and iron-smelting site

Kombehalli Remnants of a medieval fort; iron-smelting site

Kudire Davu Lower Palaeoliths, palm-leaf manuscripts, inscriptions

Kumati Microliths; anthropomorphic megalithic burials (pl.

Village/Site Nature of remains

Minekere Remnants of a medieval fort

Rama Durg Hero-stones, inscriptions and iron-smelting site

Shidegallu Paintings in rock-shelters, hero-stones, loose

Uradihalli Temples of late Chalukyan period, inscriptions,

21. EXPLORATION IN DISTRICT BELLARY

Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period); Siva-

Anguru Gaddi Basavesvara (seventeenth-eighteenth

BalaHunasi Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-

Village/Site Nature of remains

Budanuru Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period),

Devagondanahalli Kallesvara Temple (later Chalukya period), Siva-