An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c29.256

v2.c29.256

**Bangarh**, Dt W. Dinajpur, on the e. bank of the Punarbhava, situated in the c. part of the fertile track of land between the Ganga and the Himalayas. Anciently known as Devīkoṭa, Umāvana, Koṭivarṣa Bāṇapura, Śoṇitapura, etc., it is traditionally regarded as the capital of the demon-king Bāṇa. The Univ. of Calcutta under K.G. Goswami undertook excavation here during 1938 to 1941. The Rajbari mound, measuring 106 m n.-s. and 91 m e.-w. and surrounded by a brick fortification wall, was seen to have five occupation levels (called 'strata' by the excavator), dating from the 3rd century B.C. to medieval times. While the lowest levels were not touched, Stratum V, the lowest and earliest excavated one, had a ring-well [14.15]? 74 cm in diameter, as also stone beads, silver punch-marked and copper cast coins [3.1] and terracotta figurines. Particular mention may be made of the NBPW [11.16], associated with which were the handled jug, dish with curved or splayed-out rim, pan with ring-handle, jar, bowl and narrow-mouthed jar with incised lines.