An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.40

v1.c9.s6.40

In the Late Phase the residential pattern underwent a complete change. Dwelling pits were entirely discarded and in their place structures of mud, mud brick and even stone appear. The dwelling pits of the Early Phase were completely filled up, plastered with mud and coated with a thin layer of red ochre. The presence of post-holes on the floors indicates that these also had thatched roofings. Successive floor levels represented by burnt soil have also been met with. A rectangular structure measuring 3·96 × 1·2 m with 42 well-arranged post-holes might have served as a community assembly hall. An interesting structure from the upper levels, rectangular in shape, constructed of stone slabs and rubble stones has been found filled inside with sand. Two of the upright slabs bear an engraved hunting scene and a caged animal representing the earliest Neolithic art in the region. Besides, mud partitions and mud platforms, storage pits and hearths form part of the residential requirements.