An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c37.227

v2.c37.227

While the accidental find of three copper antennae swords under a huge boulder s.-e. of Pirbannus hill at Kallur, recalling those from FATEHGARH of the Copper Hoard complex [4.11] and hence an extension of the Copper Hoard culture to the s., Ahmed, 1937-40, conducted on the s. slopes a trial excavation at the open site resulting in the recovery of pottery, particularly perforated jar fragments, microlithic blades and fluted cores of chert, jasper and chalcedony, ground stone axes, etc. A few pieces of black-painted red ware comparable with those from the earliest levels of MASKI and BRAHMAGIRI I A are very important. The long blades of chert have been paralleled to the Sukkur-Rohri and Harappa [4.9] blades. Besides a lump of copper pyrite, pieces of a copper axe and ash deposits about 50 cm thick show that the site has an early Neolithic/ash-mound [4.6.9; 14.3] culture at the base. The occurrence of red-slipped ware, decorated, stamped and incised, red polished ware, sprinklers [11.23] Russet-coated Painted Ware, [11.22], shell bangles and beads of semiprecious stones and stray Sātavāhana coins reveal an extensive early historical occupation also at the site. Iron ore, mealing stones and crushed quartzites indicate iron-smelting.