History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c30.s3.13

v1.c30.s3.13

Kalibangan in Rajasthan also had two mounds, the citadel and the lower city. Of these the former is on the western side and measures 150m EW and 250m NS. Here, the lower city also had a town-wall. Its width varied between 3m and 4m ; the maximum available courses of bricks being fifteen. In the northern part at least, the town wall had been built on the box pattern, with bricks on the outer side and a mud fulling inside (IAR, 1967-68, pp. 43-44). Three possible gateways have been located and these were probably flanked by guardrooms. The citadel at this place holds unusual interest as it has preserved fortifications of two periods: Harappan and pre-Harappan. The wall was initially 1.90m thick but its width was increased to 3.70m to 4.10m during the pre-Harappan period itself. It was strengthened by rectangular bastions and had well guarded entrances. The Harappans superimposed their fortifications on these but occupied only half the area, that on the south. In the construction of these, mud- bricks was used and massive towers stood sentinel over the corners. The main gate again perhaps flanked by a bastion lay on the southernside.