An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c10.s4.8

v1.c10.s4.8

Even when coins do not come from stratigraphic digging but are found merely on surface, they throw useful hints on the date of particular occupational phases of that site. But at a monocultural site it can determine the date of the entire culture. In Chota Nagpur there are a number of so-called Asura sites [14.4], which in their extensive use of iron objects, brick-built houses and similarity in types of red ware show a homogeneous culture. Though none of the industries are otherwise datable a firm date for the culture can be obtained from the surface find of Kushan coins—a date that has been corroborated by ¹⁴C dating [SARADKAL].