An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c46.206

v2.c46.206

In spite of the objects collected on surface and forming a unique private collection, the excavations have not been much rewarding. The first excavation carried out by Chapekar gave simply a sequence of habitations indicated by ceramic evidence from the NPBW to the Red Polished Ware (Chapekar, 1969). The next excavation carried out by M.G. Dikshit (*IAR 1967-8*, p. 35) brought to light the base of a large brick *stūpa*, 26 m in diameter and resembling a *cakra* ro wheel on plan. The *cakra* comprises eight spokes and circular ribs of brick. There are four *āyaka* platforms and a *Pradakṣiṇa-patha*. On epigraphical and numismatic data associated with it the *stūpas* can be dated to the first part of 2nd century A.D. The excavation also gave evidence of an apsidal brick temple with a *stūpa* within and a wooden *maṇḍapa* in front. Besides other antiquities Roman clay bullae and glass bottles of the Mediterranean type have also been recovered. The third and the most recent excavation gives evidence of what was possibly a formidable wooden palisade around the ancient city reminding one of the reference by Pliny to the 30 fortified towns of the Sātavāhanas. Tagara thus seems to have been a religious as well as commercial centre in the early centuries of the Christian era.