An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c14.s4.15

v1.c14.s4.15

Evidence of floods at UJJAIN during the pre-NBPW and NBPW [11.16] Pds is well recorded. The first settlers at the site (Pd I, pre-NBPW) made a massive fortification wall of compact whitish clay laid in bands separated by sticky dark clay with charcoal for the protection of the city from destruction by flood. Due to constant floods the rampart was heavily damaged and only patches mixed with flood debris were found during the excavation. In Pd II the fortification on the river side was again damaged by floods at least on three occasions. The first breach was repaired by the construction of 4·60 m wide brick revetment over a raised level of the rampart. In the second flood this was again damaged, leaving only 11 courses of brick. This was once more repaired by the massing of clay over the damaged portions of the revetment. The floods were massive and the sand and silt deposits could be seen in the habitation area also.