An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s8.9

v1.c9.s8.9

*Afghanistan*. Mundigak on a dry tributary of the Arghandab in s.-e. Afghanistan has yielded a fourfold culture sequence. In Pd I with three sub-pds there were no structures in the two earlier sub-pds and people led a seminomadic life. However in the latest sub-pd bone awls, alabaster vases, stone blades and beads of steatite, lapis lazuli and frit, copper needle and a bent blade and sherds of pottery, partly wheel-turned, are available. In Pd II more compact well-built houses are noticed. A well with brick-head has been discovered. Rooms have hearths in the centre. The pottery is mainly handmade. Crudely-made stone disc seals and bifacially worked stone arrowheads are the other finds. Pd III appears to be one of great activity, six phases of constructions having been identified. A cemetery of this Pd having contracted burials has been located. Community ossuaries are noticed in the later phase. The pottery is wheel-made and has a large number of painted designs. Crude humped bulls, human figurines, shaft-hole axes and adzes of bronze and terracotta drains are the other important finds. A ¹⁴C date of 2360 B.C. is available for this pre-Harappa Pd. In the succeeding Pd IV Harappa contacts together with the transformation of the settlement into a town with massive defence wall and square bastions of mud bricks are noticed. Remains of a palace in one mound and a large temple in another are the other features of fully urban life.