An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c28.67

v2.c28.67

**Agroha**, Dt Hissar, on Hissar-Fatehabad road, at a distance of 22 km from Hissar town, with a high and extensive mound first excavated by Rodgers in 1888-9 (*Report of Punjab Circle of ASI 1889-9*, pp. 41-3) and re-excavated by H.L. Srivastava of the ASI in 1938-9 down to a depth of about 3·65 m. The upper stratum had a few fragmentary walls, but the lower one revealed the remains of a well-planned and prosperous settlement of baked brick. The next lower stratum was touched here and there. The middle stratum was rich in portable antiquities, including terracotta and copper objects, stone sculptures, plaques, grinding stones [6.19], beads, shell bangles and iron implements. While no clear classification of the pottery is available, if includes large earthen jars with incised lines around, spouted jars, *hāṇḍīs*, perforated vases and bowls, vases with or without spouts, incense-burners [12.2], cups, lids and dishes. A decorated rattle and a small model shrine a flat oval tablet pierced with two holes at the centre and circular groove all round and animal figurines of terracotta and a sword, spoon, ear ornament and discoid scraper of copper are the noteworthy objects. A stone pedestal with hunting scene and sculptures of Mahiṣamardinī and Kubera belong to the late historical period. Beads of semiprecious stone, shell, clay and glass, ivory and horn finger-rings, shell bangles and a horn libation spoon deserve mention. Of special interest are a burnt birch-bark manuscript in script resembling that of the Bakhshali manuscript of the 9th century and a clay tablet with notes of musical scale in script of the same century.