An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.109

v2.c44.109

The introduction of the NBPW, both plain and painted, marks the beginning of Sub-pd B. The 2m thick deposit of the earlier Sub-pd was topped over by wooden planks, unmistakable traces of which have been noticed at several spots. A cross-section of the wooden remains, despite heavy decomposition, reveals that its thickness was 5 cm. The smooth laying of the wooden planks up to a length of 34 m along the bank of the Ganga leads one to infer that the structure possibly served as a wooden platform during the first structural phase of this Sub-pd. As a result of the periodic rise in the level of the Ganga during floods, this wooden platform fell into disuse and floods became a source of constant danger to the city. It was at this stage (second structural phase) that a massive clay embankment was built as a measure against floods. Subsequently on the n. side of the settlement the inhabitants appear to have constructed a channel or ditch, connecting the Barna and the Ganga so that an effective barrier of water could also be formed on that side of the town. The embankment was built directly over the natural soil. Its vertical extant height is 5·10 m and basal width 19·80 m. The outer slope of the structure is pronounced while the inner one has lost its original contour due to constant weathering as also due to robbing of earth. A series of successive gravel-sandy deposits alternating with silt just over the outer toe of the embankment shows that the embankment was breached several times by floods on the river side. In the third structural phase its height was raised by the addition of a 1·10 m thick mud filling on the top. Associated with this structural phase is a *kachcha* drain passing close to a soak-pit. Remarkably well-preserved impressions of human feet have been noticed over the silted drain, indicating the movement of two persons in opposite directions. The presence of mud plaster with reed impressions in several pits suggests the existence of houses having reed walls plastered with mud.