An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c30.3

v2.c30.3

Pd I has yielded the finest varieties of the NBPW in all brilliant colours, some in double colours and some painted with circular dots, sigmas, horizontal lines and yellow paint, and also the associated black ware, black slipped ware [11.13] and grey, red and black-and-red [11.6.4] wares. Quantitatively the largest number of NBPW sherds have been found in the earliest layers. A number of soapstone jewellers’ moulds inscribed with human and animal designs and a beautiful ivory (?) female figurine with articulate limbs and grooves for fitting the loose limbs, copper ear ornaments and stone beads are significant discoveries pointing to the richness of industrial crafts of the city during this Pd. Another important find is an exceedingly well-built plastered drain in the village outside the fortified area; it empties into the Champa-nala even today. The drain runs in an e.-w. direction and has been traced to a length of 4·90 m with a gap of 2·20 m caused by robbing. The width of the drain at the top is 35 cm and at the bottom 25 cm, the depth being 52 cm. The drain, sealed by a layer which yields good varieties of the NBPW and associated sherds, can on stratigraphic and ceramic grounds be placed in the 4th century B.C. While no structural remains of the Pd and its subphases could be positively traced, some evidence of brick-built structure at its top levels has been detected in one trench. Another interesting find in the late NBPW phase is the sprinkler in the same ware. The Śuṅga and Kushan periods are well represented by remains of numerous brick-built house-complexes, characteristic Śuṅga terracottas, particularly plaques of mother goddess [12.6] with weapons around the head. A female figure with a peculiar head dress of w. Asian type and a winged female figure are noteworthy finds.