CHAPTER II ARCHAEOLOGY
The Archaeological Survey of India, an attached office, continued during the year-its activities in various fields like excavations, explorations, preservation of monuments, maintenance of gardens, publications, enforcing the Antiquities and Art Treasurers Act, 1972 and measures aimed at creating awareness about India's cultural heritage.
A. EXPLORATIONS A large number of sites were explored and discovered in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh covering various. cultural periods extending from the Early Stone Age to the Medieval times.
Tools of Early, Middle and Late Stone Ages have been collected at Badoh Pathari, District Vidisha and Mendaki, District Raisen, M.P.
During exploration of the Ghagnare, Kalladoh, a nullah in lower middle Narmada in Sehore District, MP, a number of Early and Late Stone Age sites were brought to light and it was. observed that most of the Stone Age sites were situated in between 304 m. to 334 m. contours which appears to be the horizon of the pre-historic man. Early Stone Age tools, represented by Middle to Upper Achulian complex, predominantly consisting of hand-axes, cleavers, cores, etc., were located at Sulghati near Budhni at Gandania, Deo colony, Degaon, Hathidoh Khandabar on Kaladoh, Satdhara, Andikachhar, Talaria, Geru- ghat, Patni on Bhogner and Guari on the Narmada. Late Stone Age tools were also found at Unchakhera, Taria, Patni, Ratanapur, Yarnagar, Gauri and several other places in Budhni Tehsil.
During the course of exploration at about 6 k.m south west of Kamalpuram village, District Bellary, Karnataka, Early Stone Age tools were found from the deposits of an ancient nullah.
Microliths consisting of scrapers, blades, points and fluted cores on chalcedony, were found from the area in the neighbourhood of Benisagar, District Singhbhum, Bihar.
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Of the significant finds during the period under review mention may be made of the discovery of a microlithic site close to the Mauryan group of caves in the Barabar Hill, District Gaya, Bihar.
Under the scheme of village-to-village exploration of antiquarian remains in the submersible area under Mylavaram project, District Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh, Eighty-two sites, ranging from Early Stone Age to late medieval times were discovered, among which were rock- shelters bearing prehistoric paintings made in red ochre. These rock- shelters located near Dapalle village facing river Pennar are worth mentioning.
Exploration in District Gurudaspur, Punjab brought to light several sites yielding only grey ware associated with Painted Grey Ware and late Harappan red ware. Painted Grey Ware as such was not available. The sites include Kanwa, Dodwan, Haripur, Lohagarh, Hardo Rawal Khurd, Gurudas Nangal Da Theh. In District Amritsar, while the northern part was found to be devoid of the Painted Grey Ware, at Gharinda, west of Amritsar towards the border, at a distance of 6 km. before Attari, Painted Grey Ware, Grey ware and a few late Harappan sherds were found. In District Firozpur, Painted Grey Ware, Grey Ware and late Harappan were found at Sosan. In District Jullundur, Painted Grey Ware, Grey Ware and late Harappan Ware were found at Apara, Haripur, Chini Kanjri Ka Ther. In the north-western side of the same District, Grey ware and black-slipped ware were available at Malsian, Karalan and Kartarpur. In the eastern part of the District, Nagar and Katpalon yielded the evidence of Painted Grey Ware, Grey Ware and late Harappan ware. Similarly, at Dadheri, District Ludhiana, and a few sites like Pipli and Garhi Radam in District Kurukshetra yielded Painted Grey Ware, Grey Ware and Late Harappan ware.
A cluster of megaliths has been discovered about 123 km from Hyderabad on Hyderabad-Nagar-junasagar Road near Peddavura village on the road side.
Rock-shelters have been located at Mahadeva-Pani and Chudelan-ki Dant in; village Gopisar, District Raisen, and west of Udaigiri Caves, District Vidisha, M.P.
A group of about a dozen rock-shelters at Rasulpur and Chudiaili village near Fatehpur Sikri, U.P., was discovered. Some of these rock-shelters are painted.
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Two rock-shelters with paintings, possibly belonging to chalcolithic period, were discovered in Hampi, District Bellary, Karnataka.
The, discovery of the Northern Black Polished Ware, a charac- teristic pottery of the pre-Christian times, from the area around the Shahi Fort, Jaunpur, UP, has pushed back the history of the place to about the fifth century B.C.
A Buddhist site containing the vestiges of stupas and other monastic establishments has been discovered on a hill top (Vijayakiladri) at Sitanagaram near Vijayawada, District Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
A stone slab bearing a five-lined inscription in the Gupta Characters (fourth-fifth century A.D.) was discovered at Besnagar, District Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh.
Remains of brick temple of Gupta period have been found at Idar, District Shivpuri, M.P.
An early Chalukyan temple similar to that of Alampur group of temples has been brought to light at Panyam, District Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
During the course of exploration, an ancient site, locally known as Harishandraz, near the village Takiya Bala, Tehsil Tral, District Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, was discovered. A Brahmi inscription, in characters of circa 4th century A.D., engraved on a huge block of rock lying on the right bank of the stream called Chandrahara has been discovered not far from the site.
Near the ancient stupa at Ushkura, District Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, tiles bearing vegetal motifs and numerals in Kharoshthi identical to those found at Harwan, District Srinagar, Kashmir, were located.
A beautiful stucco figure has been found on the right bank of the river Tungabhadra at Hampi.
Exploration work undertaken in Akhnoor and surrounding area along the bank of the river Chenab in District Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, has brought to light two mounds with rich cultural deposits of early historical period at Bakore and Sainth.
Two sculptures belonging to the 10-11th century A.D. were found at Nimsal road, District Vidisha, M.P. Two sculptures of
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Late Gupta period were also discovered on the rock known as Sita-Talai at Raisen, M.P. A pillar capital, depicting a standing Vishnu, assignable to the 11th-12th century is an important find from Raisen, M.P.
Twenty-seven sculptures were discovered very near the Museum at Halebid, District Hasan, Karnataka. Out of these nineteen are of superb workmanship. These are of colossal size and are datable to the Hoyasala period (circa 12-14th century A.D.).
B. EXCAVATIONS During the year under review fourteen problem-oriented ex- cavations were conducted in different regions of India. These cover various periods of history extending from Proto-historic Age to Medieval Periods.
Manda The ancient site at Manda, Akhnoor, lies on the right bank of river Chenab in the foot-hills of Pir Panjab range. The excavation at this site has revealed, in a deposit of 9.20 m., a threefold sequence of cultures with a sub-period in the earliest period : Sub Period IA is marked by the arrival of the Harappans. Besides the Harappan pottery sherds of pre-Harappan fabric were also available. The Harappan pottery consists of red ware and includes jars, dishes, dish- on-stand, beakers and goblets. No perforated jar is available in the present excavations. The antiquities ascribable to this period consist of a copper pin of West Asian affinity, bone arrow heads, terracotta cakes, pot-sherds with Harappan graffiti, chert blades and an unfinished seal.
Sub-Period IB : In this sub-period two distinct ceramic tradi- tions (i.e. Harappan red ware and grey ware) associated with painted Grey Ware are available., In the Harappan red ware, beakers and goblets are absent. It is interesting to note that the grey ware is represented by bowls and dishes. An over all estimation of the ceramic industries suggests that the grey ware is 7 to 19%. Thus here also, there is an interlocking of these two cultures.
Period II is represented by the pottery of early historical period which can be compared with contemporary types available from other excavations in northern India.
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Period III : Closely following Period II, Period III is repre- sented by Kushan pottery and antiquities. Partially exposed house- walls, made in rubble-diapar masonry, flanking both sides of a 3 m wide street, are impressive structural finds of this period
Katpalon Excavations at Katpalon, 7 km east of Phillor, District Jullundur, brought to light a sequence of three cultures in a cultural deposit of 5 m. In Period I, Painted Grey ware has been found inter- locked with the late Harappan culture. An oval structure in a dilapidated condition has been found, associated with this period. Other finds include copper antimony rods and terracotta beads and wheels. This period, after a break, was followed by Kushan occupation Period III which showed a disturbed strata.
Nagar At Nagar about 9 km north-east of Phillor, District Jullundur, Punjab, in a 5 m. cultural deposit, a three-fold sequence of culture was identified.
Period I is represented by Painted Grey Ware culture which has a sprinkling of late Harappan sturdy red ware indicating again an interlocking of two cultures. Copper objects, bone styli and terracotta ear-ornaments and animal figures have been found, besides beads and bangles. Two oval structures of burnt earth, probably of religious nature, belong to this period. The people were living in semicircular huts.
Period II is represented by typical Kushan pottery, terracotta. figurines and coins. A significant discovery from the deposit is a terracotta seal with the legend Shri Maha Senapati Ramaguptasva in the Brahmi characters of second-third century A.D.
In period III, there was a prosperous habitation at Nagar, re- presenting early medieval times.
Daimabad Excavation at Daimabad, District Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, confirmed the sequence of five cultural phases, each one distinguished from the other by a distinct painted pottery of its own. Besides, the discovery of a Harappan script on a potsherd and an
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extended burial in the habitation area have added new dimensions to the evidence.
T. Kalupatti The excavation at T. Kalupatti, District Madurai, Tamil Nadu, revealed that the site was mainly occupied by the megalithic people. However, the occurrence of a few chert blades, perforated potsherds, burnished grey ware and a few sherds of black painted red ware in the course of excavation is noteworthy. These finds can, perhaps, be taken to, indicate the survival of the chalcolithic elements before the site came under occupation of the megalithis people. The presence of some copper coins in the upper levels provides evidence of occupation of the site during historical period.
Ayodhya Jointly with the Institute of Advanced Studies, Simla, the Survey excavated at Ayodhya, District Faizabad, U.P. The southern part of the site yielded a cultural sequence beginning from about the third quarter of the 1st millennium B.C. and continuing, except for a major break after the Early historic age for some centuries, up to the late medieval times. Amongst the terracotta figurines discovered from an early level of Period I, mention may be made of a grey terracotta figurine of a Jain mendicant, probably a tirthankara or kevalin which is perhaps one of the earliest such examples discovered in India so far.
Besnagar In continuation of the last years' work excavations were taken up at Besnagar, District Vidisha, MP, with a view to (a) exposing a little more of the fortification wall, (b) determining its width and the dimensions of the moat and (c) fully uncovering the temple site. The excavations revealed that the fortification was made of dry random rubble in a crisscross pattern, and was assignable to the second century B.C. It was found to be resting on a regular habitation of Period III B (circa 500-200 B.C.) yielding punch-marked coins, N.B.P. Ware, iron objects, etc. The width of the fortification wall was found to be 15 m. and extant height about 1 m. There appears to be an earthen rampart with another moat of Period III B. The occupation at the site started around fifth century B.C. Notable feature of the stone fortification was a ramp, consisting of rammed brick jelly running over the structures of Period III B and touching the
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eastern edge of the wall. A brick wall of seven courses exposed to a length of about 3 m. belonging to Period IV A (first century to third century A.D.) was found to be plastered with lime. The inner edge of the moat was strengthened by stone masonry, southern part of which was dressed, while the northern remained undressed.
A temple complex, assignable to Period IV A (first century to third century AD) consisting of an apsidal shrine, only one arm of which was exposed, having a four pillared mandapa in front enclosed by a rubble wall was brought to light. Its floor consisted of lateritic clay mixed with potsherds and plastered with lime. Notable finds from this site included miniature Ganesa, a head of Buddha and a terracotta figure of Kaumari.
Ganwaria/Piprahwa Further excavations were undertaken at Ganwaria, adjacent to Piprahwa, District Basti, UP, with following objectives in view: (a) to ascertain the extension and plan of mud houses, (b) to connect larger and smaller complexes, and (c) to confirm the existence of house complexes below the shrines of Period III.
While digging in the area towards the western side of the larger structural complex, it was observed that the earliest occupation of the site Was subjected to regular inundation. Mud walls of houses were traced. A mud wall, circular in plan, was also exposed. Earliest occupation having mud houses was confined to the western side of the mound.
Excavations revealed several alterations in the planning of the structural complexes in successive phases. In the smaller structural complex, a beautiful wall was brought to light. Below shrines no. 2 and 3, residential structures were found.
Important finds include a terracotta sealing wherein Siva has been depicted flanked by a trisula and a battle-axe with legend Kafuput Vimasa, in Brahmi characters of second-third century AD, two hoards of coins, bone points and terracotta figurines.
A small excavation, on the northern side of the stupa at Piprahwa, revealed three phases; the pradakshinapatha of the earliest phase, 90 cms. below that of the second one, was found to have a brick edged outline with brick-bat pavement.
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Mathura Interesting archaeological remains, dating between third century B.C. and sixth-seventh century AD have been found at Mathura, UP. The excavations were undertaken at three localities : Kankali Tila, Katra. Keshavdev and Govindnagar. The last-named locality was taken up following an, accidental discovery of scores of sculptures during the levelling work undertaken by a local Housing Society.
At Kankali Tila; some new structural features of the tank complex of the Saka-Kushan Period, exposed in the previous seasons, came to light. In the northern extension of the Katra Keshavdev mound, within the inner mud fortification, were exposed remains of mud platforms of Kushan and Gupta period, besides some ovens and a heap of roof-tiles.
Most interesting finds, however, were noted at Govindnagar where mud platforms, pits containing ash and pot-sherds, associated with the Northern Black Polished Ware, floors of earth, brick-jelly, some plastered with lime-coat and ring-wells dating between the second and first century B.C. or somewhat later, were found. Amongst the notable finds from this locality mention may be made of : a Buddha sculpture with flames rising from shoulders; forepart of an elephant in-red sandstone with a Kushan Brahmi inscription recording a foreign name; front part of a lion figure; door jamp depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha with a Yaksha and Yakshi at the bottom; a male head with moustaches and Buddhist ushnisha; salabhanjika reliefs; a Bodhisattva like figure in the Kushan style; a Buddha head; a Buddha torso; a headless four-armed image of Vishnu and several fragments of ornate prabha mandals, including one with flames in flames the Gupta art tradition. With the exception of the flaming Buddha all these sculptures were found in unstratified deposits. From the standpoint of art history, however, all of them are important.
Panguraria Clearance of debris at Panguraria, district Sehore, revealed almost an intact stupa at this site. The stick of the chhatra of the stupa bears an inscription datable to early second century BC.
Antichak Excavations were undertaken at Antichak, District Bhagalpur. Bihar, to expose the remaining structures of the square
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Mahavihara. Besides the cells of the monastic establishment, in the eastern side, three more underground cells were discovered. Indications of bed platforms on the outer basement wall have been noticed in many cells. Important finds include terracotta plaques, moulds, sealings, stone images of Avalokitesvara, Buddha, Lokesvara, Kamadeva, Sivalings, Ganesh on a door lintel, a torana presenting figure of Buddha and a bronze image of Manjusri.
Hampi With a view to ascertaining the existence of palace building to the south of the King's Audience Hall and to tracing out different structural phases excavations were continued at Hampi.
Excavations to the south of King's Audience Hall brought to light extension of the palace building in the form of masonry plinths, the only remains that are existing of the once magnificent palace complex, vividly described by the contemporary foreign visitors. Two structural phases were noticed in the excavation of this area along with underground water channels cut in stone used for interior water facility.