An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s10.4

v1.c9.s10.4

In Haryana, specially in the Dṛṣadvatī and Sarasvatī valleys, the settlements of the late Harappa cultures are much more in number than those of the mature Harappa. These later settlements are generally away from the perennial rivers and are located outside the flood plains of seasonal streams. Excavation at MITATHAL and SISWAL has revealed a cultural sequence from the pre-Harappa to the late Harappa times. MITATHAL II A is characterized by the mature Harappa with a continuation of certain pre-Harappa types, whereas II B is marked by a gradual decline in the culture. Types like the dish-on-stand, storage jar, vase, bowl-like lid and basin are considerably modified in form. The pottery of pre-Harappa traditions like SISWAL also survives in this phase. The goblet, beaker, perforated jar, etc., are rare. The pottery indicates a general decadence in fabric, potting and treatment of surface. A variety of incised designs is also noticed on the exterior of vases. This Phase II B conforms well to DAULATPUR, MIRZAPUR and BHAGWANPURA^2 I A, where, besides Harappa pottery, a terracotta humped bull, a portion of human figure, copper rods and pins and beads and bangles of faïence have also been found. In I B the interlocking of the late Harappa culture with the PGW [11.14] is noticed [see below]. Besides pottery there are other objects of terracotta, glass, ivory and bone and copper, but there is no iron object. The phase of overlap has also revealed three structural phases from round or semicircular huts, houses of mud walls and ultimately to houses of baked brick. As ploughing has damaged all the structures, it is difficult to associate them singularly with the Harappa or PGW [4.15] cultures. At DAULATPUR, about 8 km from BHAGWANPURA^2, however, no such overlap is noticed.