An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s3: 9.3 Earthquakes
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s3
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9.3 Earthquakes
v1.c14.s3.1
Earthquake is a convulsion of earth’s surface due to tectonic movements and violent eruptions. Earthquakes are responsible for considerable structural devastations and at times change in the landscape also. Due to the convulsions or tremors, buildings and their foundation strata are affected.
v1.c14.s3.2
In excavations in the subcontinent evidence regarding earthquakes is reported from two sites. The first instance is available at KALIBANGAN in the pre-Harappa [4.8] levels when a subsidence of strata caused by an earthquake could be clearly seen in one of the sections of a trench in KLB-1 mound. This earthquake perhaps occurred at the close of the pre-Harappa occupation on that mound.
v1.c14.s3.3
The second evidence of earthquake is recorded from Sirkap (Taxila). Marshall says, ‘Many of the buildings in the second stratum were destroyed by earthquake about A.D. 30 and rebuilt by Parthians’ (Marshall, 1951). He builds up the structural chronology of Sirkap on this hypothesis, which is not established on solid grounds.
v1.c14.s3.4
Although cracks in structures, dislodged masonry and collapsed walls met with in many excavations have sometimes been ascribed to earthquakes, the evidence is shaky.
v1.c14.s3.5
Marshall, J., 1951, *Taxila*, Cambridge.—MADHU BALA