An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s3.20

v1.c17.s3.20

*12.3.13 Miscellaneous objects.* Minor ritualistic objects are of a diverse nature and date. A tiny *triśūla* of the Mauryan period from SONKH and a small ornate *cakra* with *makara* pedestal (c. 8th century) from RAJBADIDANGA are notable examples in copper of sacred *āyudhas* of a symbolic nature. A spouted *kamaṇḍalu* with a semicircular handle, narrow-mouthed globular body and pedestalled base in grey ware associated with the NBPW [11.16] from CHIRAND appears to be a jar used in *dāna* or other rites. In later periods some of the earthen sprinklers available from many sites seem to have been used as *kamaṇḍalus* [6.28]. Two inscribed *śaṅkhas* each from SALIHUNDAM (c. 2nd century) and NAGARJUNAKONDA (c. 3rd century) appear to have been cult objects. In fact the inscriptions respectively specify the shells as gifts to the *caitya* at Śālipeṭaka (SALIHUNDAM) and to the Aṣṭabhujasvāmin temple. Small gold and silver bowls with a central knob found at the Sarvadeva temple site at NAGARJUNAKONDA seem to be objects used in *pūjā*. A gold-plated copper spouted jar with a lid and a bronze *ghaṇṭā* bearing a pointed handle decked with human head and a *pūrṇa-ghaṭa* (dating about the 11th century) were found buried in a hoard at Achutrajapuram in Orissa.