An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s15.17

v1.c19.s15.17

Generally the terracotta rings used in the ring-wells have a uniform diameter from bottom to top varying between 46 cm to 1·37 m and can be classified into two diameter-groups: (i) with diameter ranging between 46 and 76 cm, and (ii) with diameter over 76 cm. The variation in diameter can be noticed *vis-à-vis* their spatial distribution, and on the basis of their spahe the rings fall into four broad categories: (i) rings with mouth splayed in a way as to fit into the lower edge of the corresponding upper ring; (ii) rings with wide and flat top and bottom; (iii) rings with grooves at both the edges for fixing the upper ring into the lower one; and (iv) rings with a narrow top and broad bottom. The shape of the rings thus obviated the use of any mortar or binding medium. Besides complete rings there are also examples of rings made of three segments as at ROPAR. The height of the rings is generally between 10 and 22 cm, while at ARIKAMEDU (Casal, 1949) they are exceptionally large ranging from about 22 cm to 1·04 m. Similarly there is also a variation in the thickness of the individual rings. Mention is also made to ornate rings at VAIŚĀLĪ (Krishna Deva and Misra, 1961, p. 11).