An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s5.1

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.