Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c14.s1: History of Excavation
Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c14.s1
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History of Excavation
v1.c14.s1.1
With a view to understand the cultural sequence of Lothal, the first trench SRG 1 was laid in February 1955. In view of the encouraging results it was decided to resume the excavation which was temporarily suspended in April 1955. Henceforth, the excavation was conducted on a large scale throughout the year. For this purpose the mound was divided into two main sectors, one to the north of SRG 1 and the other to the south, the former being designated as SRG 2 and the latter SRG 3. In 1956, SRG 3 was extended further to include a relatively isolated mound in the south-east corner, and thus the excavation continued up to the year 1957. (Rao, 21-22)
v1.c14.s1.2
Carbon-14 dates for the Harappan culture are 2300-2000 BC for metropolitan centres, 2200-1700 BC for the peripheral sites, 2200-1500 BC for Lothal (Phases I to V), 2000-1500 BC for Rangpur and 1800-1700 BC for Ahar. Ahar and Lothal cultures came in contact with each other by 1700 BC. Lothal inhabitation might have started even before 2200 BC. (Rao, 37-46)