An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.112

v2.c44.112

*Pd III*. Dated from the beginning of the Christian era to the end of the 3rd century, this Pd is the most prosperous in the history of this site. The houses are all made of baked brick, the size of which averages into two groups, 40×25×5 cm and 39×29×5 cm. A considerable progress is also reflected in the art of clay modelling. The modelling technique of making figurines is a new feature. The elephant, the most favourite one, has been modelled with a graceful forehead, tusk and trunk and is decorated with stamped floral circles, leaves and punched circlets. The female figurines are provided with profuse garments and ornaments like head-dress, necklaces and ear ornaments. The entire range of pottery is of red ware. Among the more important types mention may be made of: the bowl with vertical, sharpened, incurved and obliquely cut rim; lid having vase-shaped central depression; lid-*cum*-bowl; basin with rectangularly collared and splayed rim; *karāhī* with handles; and handled vase. Other distinctive forms are the bottle-necked vessel or sprinkler and spout. Seals and sealings and coins are plentiful. Nearly 400 seals and sealings, both finished and unfinished, palaeographically assignable to the 1st-3rd centuries A.D., have been recovered. One of them bearing the designs of a humped bull and inscribed with the word *Puṣkaraṇa* can be placed somewhere in the second century. Amongst the other names found on the sealings *Hariṣeṇa* is the commonest. Die-struck coins [3.1] are reported for the first time. An Ayodhyā coin bearing the legend *Sivadātasa* and a Kauśāmbī coin with the legend *Navasa* also come from this Pd, the latter from the late level. The find of seals and sealings and coins in such large numbers bespeak the large volume of trade and commerce. Amongst the terracotta objects of daily use mention may be made of feeders, wheels, lids, dabbers [16.11], bullae [6.4], gamesmen [6.17.2], balls, miniature offering lamps, ear ornaments, rattles, skin-rubbers [18.4], cones and stoppers. Beads, pendants, amulets, rings and bangles form an interesting collection.