An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c23.s5.4

v1.c23.s5.4

A 'circular dish with a handle attached to it and a knob in the centre' and another, again of copper and similar shape found close to it, have been recorded from VAIŚĀLĪ *ASI-AR, 1903-4*, p. 99) in the Mauryan levels. On the basis of similarity with the BRAHMAPURI and ADICHANALLUR specimens, they have also been identified as mirrors with the knob in the centre as *omphalos* (Margabandhu, 1977, p. 434). At PĀṬALIPUTRA (Bulandibagh) has been found a small circular mirror, probably of copper, 6·35 cm in diameter and provided with a round handle of the same material; it is probably assignable to the Śuṅga period (*ASI-AR 1926-7*, p. 139). The rim of this mirror is decorated with a wavy ornament and the back is slightly convex in shape. The two circular handled bronze mirrors, both of the Śuṅga-Kushan period, from RAIRH have a recessed face with a small pointed tang soldered to the recessed portion of the mirror.