An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s3.15

v1.c17.s3.15

*12.3.10. Sacrificial pits and altars.* The Harappans of LOTHAL and KALIBANGAN practised fire-sacrifices [4.9]: this is indicated at both the sites by a large number of shallow pits filled with ashes, charcoal and terracotta cakes [6.27]. The pits are rectangular or apsidal and are built either on mud platforms or inside houses. At LOTHAL they have a miniature low enclosure around and at KALIBANGAN a central stump in the form of a raised brick or block. A rectangular *kuṇḍa* lined with baked brick, with bones of bovines and antlers inside, has also been found at KALIBANGAN. Similar rectangular enclosures of baked brick, called fire altars by the excavator, have also been exposed at LOTHAL at public places. A terracotta ladle used in fire sacrifices and a post-hole for a wooden sacrificial post near a fire-altar are believed to be significant features of fire-worship at LOTHAL.