An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c11.s9.1

v1.c11.s9.1

The earliest specimens are from sites like NAGDA, NAVDATOLI, CHIRAND and ATRANJIKHERA in levels associated with the NBPW [4.16]. The NAVDATOLI finds have been described as ‘split or bent in rings’. Iron hoes with ring-fasteners and sockets were used by the Megalithic people (cf. a specimen from BRAHMAGIRI). [See MAHURJHARI.] Hoes of the early centuries of the Christian era found at SISUPALGARH have a tang with a circular section, unlike the socketed ones with ring-fasteners from NAVDATOLI and BRAHMAGIRI. Specimens from KAUṆḌINYAPURA (post-Sātavāhana) and HASTINĀPURA (late historical) are of the earlier type, with the difference that they are socketed with a round splayed base for the easy attachment of a handle.