An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c24.s1.8

v1.c24.s1.8

*19.1.8 Missiles.* Clay missiles have been grouped into three types (Wheeler, 1968, p. 76): (1) pellets, either round, about 3 cm in diameter, or ovoid up to 5·5 cm in length; and (2) and (3) lumps first compressed in the hand and then lightly baked, the difference between the two being that (2) is lighter, about 170 g, and (3) heavier, about 340 g. Found in large numbers, their shape, material and findspot (near the Mohenjo-daro granary and in the defences of the citadel) make their use as weapons of offence and defence possible. It is however not clear whether they were thrown by hand or projected from a sling. [At least some of them may be terracotta cakes, 6.27.]