An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c45.935

v2.c45.935

Excavation by the Univ. of Panjab during 1963-5 established a sequence of three Pds. Pd I is divided into two Sub-pds. Sub-pd 1 A. datable to 500 to 400 B.C., is characterized by the occurrence of the PGW [11.14], NBPW [11.16], grey ware and the Black-slipped Ware [11.13]. The occurrence of a few fragments of mud brick indicates its use in the construction of houses. Copper and iron household tools were limited in number. In Sub-pd I B, c. 400 to 100 B.C., the PGW is absent but the NBPW and grey ware persist. The houses are constructed of burnt brick and rubble and are provided with pottery drain pipes suggesting flat roofs. The use of iron along with copper becomes profuse. Silver punch-marked coins [3] silver coins of Menander and Antimachus and inscribed or uninscribed copper cast coins [3.1] constitute the currency of the period. A lead cast coin bears the word *Kādasa* in the Mauryan characters and a *triśūla* and a snake or wavy line on the obverse and an elephant with a rider on the reverse. A similar coin is reported from Taxila. Terracotta human and animal figurines moulded and handmade, are in the Maurya-Śuñga style. The animal remains include those of the ox, horse, sheep, goat and pig. The other objects represented are styli [20.5], arrowheads, awls of bone or ivory, copper antimony rods [18.1], iron nails, pestles, mullers and rotary querns of stone [6.19] and a decorated soapstone vase. A bull-headed bottle-stopper of copper is a notable specimen of metal casting. The material equipment of the Sub-pd has close resemblance with that of Pd III at HASTINĀPURA and ROPAR and marks the efflorescence of the life of the town.