An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c28.110

v2.c28.110

Further excavation at Ahicchatrā was undertaken by N.R. Banerjee of the ASI in 1963-4 and 1964-5 (*IAR 1963-4*, p. 43; *1964-5*, p. 39) in the e. sector of the fortified area, which, as stated above, seems to have had an earlier origin and end. Pd I, without any structural remains and clear-cut deposit, had the OCW [4.12] over the natural soil. Pd II was characterized by the PGW and a red-ware dish-on-stand. Mud bricks and a broken baked brick were present. Both copper and iron were known. A terracotta object with flattened bits of stone fixed in a mosaic pattern on blocks of flattened clay in the shape of truncated bicones was evidently used for grinding purposes. Similar objects are reported from the corresponding levels of HASTINĀPURA, ROPAR and ALAMGIRPUR. Pd III, with overlaps with the preceding and succeeding Pds, had the NBPW with the usual associated red ware. Baked bricks were in use; there was also a mud floor with multiple ovens. Pd IV had the Kushan bowl, sprinkler, inkpot-shaped lid [20.2] and jar with stamped decoration; Pañcāla, Kushan and Acyu coins were present. Houses of burnt bricks of four sizes (43·7 × 26·67 × 5·08 cm; 41·6 × 22·67 × 5·71 cm; 44·97 × 25·4 × 6·35 cm; and 25·4 × 25·4 × 6·35 cm) were in evidence.