An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c45.369

v2.c45.369

Pd II, middle of the 1st century B.C. to the middle of 3rd century A.D., represents the main occupational period of the site. At certain places a sterile layer separates Pds I and II. The structural remains of this Pd fall mainly into three phases, 1, 2a and 2b. A rampart together with a moat and the gate are amongst the important constructional activities of Phase 1. The builders of the fort appear to have followed the contour of the natural elevated ground resulting in an unconventional plan of the fortification. The existence of the fort wall can be partly established on the w., e. and n. periphery, while on the s. side a considerable stretch of the wall with a gateway has been exposed. The main wall of the rampart is built of Cuddapah slabs of irregular dimensions laid in mud mortar. It measures 3·2 m in width with 10 to 13 extant courses and has a 1·45 m wide facing of burnt brick, 56× 28× 8 cm. On the inner side along the main wall a 3 m wide pavement of brickbats has been found. The rampart is enclosed by a moat cut into the natural bed rock as indicated by extensive chisel marks present on the sides. The average depth and width are about 3·20 m and 4·25 m respectively. In order to prevent the spilling away of water from the moat through depressions in the bed rock embankments of boulders and Cuddapah slabs have been raised on the outer edge of the moat wherever necessary. While the sides of the moat are steep the basin is generally flat. Rain water from the higher levels flowed into the moat and was retained.