An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s5: 6.5 Chisels
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s5
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6.5 Chisels
v1.c11.s5.1
A large number of chisels of copper or bronze in various shapes have been found at the Harappa sites [4.9]. These are made out of a metal bar of which one end is bevelled to one or more sharp edges and the other is left blunt for being struck with a hammer. They have a rectangular, square or round section with broad rectangular tangs and a narrow blade. Some were possibly used with a wooden handle. Unlike the Harappa ones, the chisels found in the Deccan Chalcolithic [4.14.6-9] sites are without handles but with a thick body and convex cutting end. The CHANDOLI, NEVASA and MASKI specimens show some alterations and modifications and are of a rectangular type with a flat butt end and splayed cutting edge. The chisels from sites of the lower Ganga Chalcolithic [4.14.4], e.g. PANDU RAJAR DHIBI have a rectangular cross-section.
v1.c11.s5.2
Chisels of iron reported from the Megalithic levels [4.17] of (MASKI, KHAPA, GANGAPUR, TAKALGHAT, BRAHMAGIRI, ADICHANALLUR) have a rectangular bar body, pointed end and incipient shoulders; some of the specimens are bevelled on both faces and were perhaps used as tips for wooden ploughs.
v1.c11.s5.3
In the early historical period of NASIK are found iron chisels with a circular top section having bevelled end and flattened to a straight sharp edge, whereas the specimens from KAUNDINYAPURA (Sātavāhana) have a heavy circular stem and pointed end. Chisels of the same type come from the early historical levels of HASTINAPURA, NAGDA, NAVDATOLI, SAMBHAR and NEVASA.
v1.c11.s5.4
For sites see respective entries in vol II.—A BANERJI