Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c40.s2.19

v6.c40.s2.19

The ancient inhabitants of Harappa are stated to have cremated the dead, although there may have been some instances of burial. They are stated to have first burned the dead body on a funeral pyre and then to deposit a part of the cremated bones in earthen vessels or brick-structures resembling the *samādhi* of modern times. This is proved by the discovery of a well-preserved sepulchre constructed with the burnt brick of the usual size and lying east to west, with probably another structure of the same kind adjoining it on the south side, but placed at right angles to it. ‘The former structure consists of a horizontal platform of a single course of bricks laid flat and protected on three sides by bricks standing upright on the narrow edge. The roof was composed of an inclined plane of a single course of bricks.’ At the second stratum, also, there was a stout concrete floor, composed of nodules of hard overburnt brick, which was littered with burnt bones and ashes, indicating that the platform was probably used as the cremation floor. In the next stratum, also, another funeral structure has been uncovered in which a few cremated bones were found. ‘The existence of two *samādhis* and the remains of cremations at several other spots appear to show that the whole of this area was at one time the crematorium of the ancient city. This view received some corroboration from the close proximity of