An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s17.9

v1.c21.s17.9

*16.7.3 Bridle-bits.* Bridle-bits have been reported in large numbers from the Megalithic graves [4.17] at ADICHANALLUR, KUNNATTUR, JANAMPET, KHAPA, JUNAPANI, etc. In the non-Megalithic context they occur at RAIRH, SAMBHAR and Taxila. The early ones known from the megaliths are of iron and are of three types: simple bits with a rigid mouthpiece; horizontal rigid mouthpieces with looped nosebands and variants; and simple, plain or joined bits and projected snaffles with a ring or cheek-bar on each side. The specimens from RAIRH are made of bronze and the one from SAMBHAR is of iron datable to *c.* 200-100 B.C.. Those from Taxila belong to the 1st century A.D.. Cheek-bars known from Taxila only are made of iron, ivory and bone. They are ‘8’-shaped or curved.