An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c44.47

v2.c44.47

The next Pd II, covers a span of about 400 years beginning from *c.* 100 B.C. The Pd can be subdivisible into two Sub-pds on the basis of the ceramics. The late Sub-pd is distinguished by the occurrence of the Red Polished Ware [11.23]. In all seven structural phases have been encountered in this Pd. Generally mud brick measuring 37 × 23 × 7 cm has been used in the construction of houses but in the upper levels burnt brick of the same size is seen. In the upper levels remains of hearths (*chūlhās*) have also been noticed. A room has a mudbrick pillar in its centre for supporting the rafter flanked by beams on either site. A hearth full of potsherds and ashes and a few circular pits cut into a mud-brick platform have also been found. A potter’s oven, later on used as refuse-pit with animal bones and broken pots, has been discovered. The pottery of the Pd, though mostly unpainted, is decorated with various stamped designs, such as *cakra*, *nandipada* and floral motifs. The other finds of the Pd include: early historical copper coins; ornaments comprising beads of semiprecious stones, shell and terracotta; shell bangles; terracotta objects such as human and animal figurines, toy-cart wheels [16.19], dabbers [16.11], blade-sharpeners etc.; a small rod and blade piece of copper; and a variety of household iron and stone objects. The outstanding finds are three clay sealings bearing legends in Brāhmī script of the early centuries of the Christian era.