An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c32.32

v2.c32.32

The later phase of the Chalcolithic habitation was characterized by certain new features, which included the construction of a mud defence wall, abundant use of the Malwa Ware [11.10], introduction of the channel-spout and increase in the number of the dish-on-stand. The wall covered the s. side of the settlement, all the other sides being enclosed by the river. It had a basal width of 30 m and a maximum extant height of 6·41 m. The gap of 16·47 m between the wall and the moat in between was filled with black and yellow clay possibly during the Chalcolithic times. Its construction and use in the later Chalcolithic phase has been emphasized by the excavator due to the find of Chalcolithic ceramics such as channel-spouts, microliths and copper celt. Its utility seems to have been twofold, viz. protecting the settlement from external invasion and averting possible flooding by diverting excess water in the moat, which was to the s. of the defence wall with an extant width of 36·6 m and depth of 5·5 m. It seems to have been in use down to historical times.