An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s9.16

v1.c9.s9.16

The fortified ‘Citadel’ complex was divided by a bipartite wall into two equal parts, n. and s., each forming a 120 m rhomb. Within the s. rhomb there stood several large-sized mud-brick platforms, of which some had anciently been eroded but at least six were clearly identified. Separated one from the other by passageways, the platforms appear to have carried on them some specialized structures. Thus, on the top of one was found a n.-s. row of seven ‘fire altars’. (This term has been used in the absence of a better one, but these ‘altars’, may it be added, have nothing to do with the fire-altars of the Parsis.) Sunk partly into the ground and lined with clay-bund above the ground-level, the altars contained ash, charcoal and a central stele of clay, besides fragments of what are known as terracotta ‘cakes’ [6.27]. Close to these altars was found a jar, partly buried into the ground and containing ash and charcoal; it was evidently associated with the altars. A little away from the altars but on the same platform were a brick-lined well and a few bath-pavements, clearly suggesting that ceremonial bathing formed a part of the ritual, whatever its other details might have been.