Ganga Plains played significant role in the origin and growth of Indian Culture. It's upper part ... more Ganga Plains played significant role in the origin and growth of Indian Culture. It's upper part was the seat of Painted Grey Ware Culture, which is often associated with the epic Mahabharat. Discoveries of considerable number of PGW sites, as the result of archaeological investigations conducted during the last sixty years provide quantum of data to be dealt with scientific analyses, for meaningful reconstruction of this culture. One such approach is the spatial analysis and dispersal pattern of the sites. The focus of the paper therefore, is, on identifying the distribution pattern of the site of the Ganga Plains and determines the inter-site spatial behavior of authors of the PGW Culture."
In ancient India, complex technologies for forming and firing pottery were developed to meet the ... more In ancient India, complex technologies for forming and firing pottery were developed to meet the challenges of different types of clays and available fuels, as well as diverse cultural and ritual needs. Clays, slips, and firing processes were simultaneously customized through time and space, resulting in innovative region and period-specific specialized wares. While the knowledge of some pottery making traditions was passed from one generation to the next, and can be documented to some extent today, other techniques, such as the manufacture of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), have been lost. Attempts by scholars either to deconstruct this ware scientifically or reconstruct the technique experimentally have largely been unsuccessful. This article is yet another attempt to deconstruct NBPW manufacturing methods, primarily the preparation of the slip, using petrographic XRD, XRF, and microscopy on seven sherds of various shades coming from different sites and times within the peak NBPW period.
Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, ancient settlements located in Uttar Pradesh, comprise differential cul... more Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, ancient settlements located in Uttar Pradesh, comprise differential cultural deposits and architectural remnants from 2500 BCE to 1200 CE. These settlements flourished as the capital cities of onceprosperous urban kingdoms known as Panchala and Vatsa Mahajanapadas but remain abandoned in the present day. To provide ancillary data for the simplification of traditional archaeological explorational practices, a few portions located in and around the fortified areas of both settlements were considered for subsurface investigations using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, 2D and 3D GPR survey was carried out in the open areas devoid of vegetation for the understanding of the spatial alignment of the buried features within the fortified walls. The subsurface investigations at Ahichhatra have shown high amplitude reflections referring to buried wall structures, residential complexes, raised platforms, past-used surfaces and structural continuity. Also, the partial excavation carried out at Ahichhatra has revealed walls and compacted floors validating our findings. From Kaushambi, the findings include wall structures and interconnected chambered structures. The anomalies obtained in the data collected from considered survey sites located in Ahichhatra are 1-2 m wide and 2-4 m deep whereas in Kaushambi they are 0.5-1 m wide and 2-4 m deep. These findings helped us to determine the progressive urban relics of the ancient kingdoms which were known for their second phase of urbanism in Ganga Valley that prevailed until their abandonment. For a better understanding of the cultural history, detailed mapping of the contemporary sites can be carried out using integrated survey methods.
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
Ahichchhattra, (20 ̊ 22ʺ N;79ʹ 08 12ʺ E), the ancient capital of Northern Panchala kingdom as men... more Ahichchhattra, (20 ̊ 22ʺ N;79ʹ 08 12ʺ E), the ancient capital of Northern Panchala kingdom as mentioned in Mahabharata, is located near the Ramnagar village of Bareily district, Uttar Pradesh. The site is located between Aril and Peria rivers, the tributaries of Ramganga. Geologically, this area forms a part of Indo – Gangetic alluvium formation prominently consisting of clay and sand. This site roughly spread across 5.50 sq.km area is prominently located above the surrounding agricultural fields was identified and excavated primarily by Cunningham in 1862 followed by A. Ghosh in 1940. This revealed the chronology dating from 600 B.C.E to 1100 C.E. Culturally the site dates back to period of Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP), Painted Grey Ware (PGW), Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and early historic phases respectively. Among all the regions within the Indian sub-continent, the region of Ganga-Yamuna doab has yielded majority number of terracotta objects both in the exploration and e...
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
Kachchh of western India, considered to be a Stable Continental Region (SCR), has experienced sev... more Kachchh of western India, considered to be a Stable Continental Region (SCR), has experienced several large magnitude earthquakes in recent past, viz. 1668 CE (M w 7.0), 1819 CE (M w 7.8), 1845 CE (M w 6.3), 1956 CE (M w 6.0), and 2001 CE (M w 7.7). Our present study emphasizes on identifying archaeoseismic signatures from the ruins of an ancient city built by Lakho Punarvo of Samma Dynasty around 1000 CE found near the Manjal Town of Kachchh. Among the ruins, Punvareshwar Temple exhibits penetrative fractures within masonry blocks, recycled anomalous elements, displaced blocks and lateral shift of superstructure. Vadi Medi, a pillared structure, shown varied orientation of intact columns, displaced blocks, fallen and oriented columns. The nature of these signatures exhibits the influence of seismic phenomena which can be categorized as off-fault damage caused by strong seismic shaking. In order to quantify the ground shaking experienced by the structures, seismic hazard analysis which considers all the possible potential seismic sources within a radius of 100 km has been employed. It is identified from the analysis that the damage incurred to the structures is due to the strong ground acceleration experienced during the 1819 and 2001 earthquakes and the recurrence of similar peak ground acceleration is estimated as 700-750 and 500-600 years respectively.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river -a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3-4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that highranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccupied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster, and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
Stylistically too, the temple, on the plan, shows an early form with only one cell for sanctum, t... more Stylistically too, the temple, on the plan, shows an early form with only one cell for sanctum, the very fact places this temple earlier in time than Bhitargaon, which has a small cell attached with the sanctum through a narrow passage. The placement of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flanking the entrance to the 3rd terrace stairway is also an indication that the temple is the earliest and might have been built during the reign of Samudragupta himself.
With the decline of imperial monotony and the subsequent breakdown of the formalism of the Indus ... more With the decline of imperial monotony and the subsequent breakdown of the formalism of the Indus Valley Civilization, the focus of settlement activity appears to shift towards the east into the Gangetic valley. The cultures that flourish in the Upper and upper-middle Ganga valley are predominantly copper using cultures albeit with gradually dwindling resource network and technology. While in the lower middle Ganga valley sequence, copper technology had a relatively shorter lifespan and it gave way early to the iron. Recent excavations and finds in the western Uttar Pradesh have brought to light sites reaching almost parallel to the end date of Harappan empire. In the middle Ganga valley, due to the eastward movement of the 'technologically stagnant chalcolithism' of the west and westward movement of the early iron users, the stage was set for the big amalgamation and transformation. The Painted Grey Ware people were the main players. However, it is not very much unlikely that the pre-PGW cultures thrived in the Upper Ganga plain and enjoyed good neighbourly relations with the Harappans. The present paper deals with the emerging scenario which requires a reappraisal of the chronological sequencing of cultures.
The site of Ahichhatra has given ample evidence of an ancient bead
manufacturing centre of the Ea... more The site of Ahichhatra has given ample evidence of an ancient bead manufacturing centre of the Early Historic period. Excavations at the site have revealed quite several beads of different material namely, terracotta, bone, ivory, stones, metal, glass and paste. This paper, however, discusses only the stone beads from Early Historic levels
Indian Journal of History of Science, 53.3 (2018) 271-278, 2018
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river – a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3–4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that high-ranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccu-pied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster , and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river – a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3–4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that high-ranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccu-pied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster , and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
Purattatva : Journal of Indian Archaeological Soceity 2016, 2016
Two versions are included: manuscript and the journal issue version, as the journal issue version... more Two versions are included: manuscript and the journal issue version, as the journal issue version has omitted needed space, author name and clarification, as well as imbalanced illustrations were presented, I request readers to go through the manuscript version of the article which has same content. Space, spatial modeling and pattern recognition has been a central theme of archaeological discussions since coming of ‘processual’ era of archaeology. Ahichhatra, a fortified site, located in the upper reaches of Ganga plain and a harbor of 3000 years of human cultural activities has immense potentiality in identification of intersite spatial organizations and related human interactions. Present paper aims at achieving an understanding about by individual, communal and social space use and furthermore it attempts to reconstruct the social, ideological and political inter-relations at Ahichhatra, with the help of material and digital data. Ethnographic parallels looking into continuities and changes in use of space and similar spatial activities will be discussed in present paper. Looking at an early historic fortified site with structured power relations between different inhabitant groups and compartmentalization of spatial activities, answers to critical questions about selection of space, reuse of space and ideological conflicts in making and keeping of Ahichhatra are to be sought after in present paper.
Ganga Plains played significant role in the origin and growth of Indian Culture. It's upper part ... more Ganga Plains played significant role in the origin and growth of Indian Culture. It's upper part was the seat of Painted Grey Ware Culture, which is often associated with the epic Mahabharat. Discoveries of considerable number of PGW sites, as the result of archaeological investigations conducted during the last sixty years provide quantum of data to be dealt with scientific analyses, for meaningful reconstruction of this culture. One such approach is the spatial analysis and dispersal pattern of the sites. The focus of the paper therefore, is, on identifying the distribution pattern of the site of the Ganga Plains and determines the inter-site spatial behavior of authors of the PGW Culture."
In ancient India, complex technologies for forming and firing pottery were developed to meet the ... more In ancient India, complex technologies for forming and firing pottery were developed to meet the challenges of different types of clays and available fuels, as well as diverse cultural and ritual needs. Clays, slips, and firing processes were simultaneously customized through time and space, resulting in innovative region and period-specific specialized wares. While the knowledge of some pottery making traditions was passed from one generation to the next, and can be documented to some extent today, other techniques, such as the manufacture of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), have been lost. Attempts by scholars either to deconstruct this ware scientifically or reconstruct the technique experimentally have largely been unsuccessful. This article is yet another attempt to deconstruct NBPW manufacturing methods, primarily the preparation of the slip, using petrographic XRD, XRF, and microscopy on seven sherds of various shades coming from different sites and times within the peak NBPW period.
Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, ancient settlements located in Uttar Pradesh, comprise differential cul... more Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, ancient settlements located in Uttar Pradesh, comprise differential cultural deposits and architectural remnants from 2500 BCE to 1200 CE. These settlements flourished as the capital cities of onceprosperous urban kingdoms known as Panchala and Vatsa Mahajanapadas but remain abandoned in the present day. To provide ancillary data for the simplification of traditional archaeological explorational practices, a few portions located in and around the fortified areas of both settlements were considered for subsurface investigations using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In Ahichhatra and Kaushambi, 2D and 3D GPR survey was carried out in the open areas devoid of vegetation for the understanding of the spatial alignment of the buried features within the fortified walls. The subsurface investigations at Ahichhatra have shown high amplitude reflections referring to buried wall structures, residential complexes, raised platforms, past-used surfaces and structural continuity. Also, the partial excavation carried out at Ahichhatra has revealed walls and compacted floors validating our findings. From Kaushambi, the findings include wall structures and interconnected chambered structures. The anomalies obtained in the data collected from considered survey sites located in Ahichhatra are 1-2 m wide and 2-4 m deep whereas in Kaushambi they are 0.5-1 m wide and 2-4 m deep. These findings helped us to determine the progressive urban relics of the ancient kingdoms which were known for their second phase of urbanism in Ganga Valley that prevailed until their abandonment. For a better understanding of the cultural history, detailed mapping of the contemporary sites can be carried out using integrated survey methods.
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
Ahichchhattra, (20 ̊ 22ʺ N;79ʹ 08 12ʺ E), the ancient capital of Northern Panchala kingdom as men... more Ahichchhattra, (20 ̊ 22ʺ N;79ʹ 08 12ʺ E), the ancient capital of Northern Panchala kingdom as mentioned in Mahabharata, is located near the Ramnagar village of Bareily district, Uttar Pradesh. The site is located between Aril and Peria rivers, the tributaries of Ramganga. Geologically, this area forms a part of Indo – Gangetic alluvium formation prominently consisting of clay and sand. This site roughly spread across 5.50 sq.km area is prominently located above the surrounding agricultural fields was identified and excavated primarily by Cunningham in 1862 followed by A. Ghosh in 1940. This revealed the chronology dating from 600 B.C.E to 1100 C.E. Culturally the site dates back to period of Ochre Colored Pottery (OCP), Painted Grey Ware (PGW), Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and early historic phases respectively. Among all the regions within the Indian sub-continent, the region of Ganga-Yamuna doab has yielded majority number of terracotta objects both in the exploration and e...
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
Kachchh of western India, considered to be a Stable Continental Region (SCR), has experienced sev... more Kachchh of western India, considered to be a Stable Continental Region (SCR), has experienced several large magnitude earthquakes in recent past, viz. 1668 CE (M w 7.0), 1819 CE (M w 7.8), 1845 CE (M w 6.3), 1956 CE (M w 6.0), and 2001 CE (M w 7.7). Our present study emphasizes on identifying archaeoseismic signatures from the ruins of an ancient city built by Lakho Punarvo of Samma Dynasty around 1000 CE found near the Manjal Town of Kachchh. Among the ruins, Punvareshwar Temple exhibits penetrative fractures within masonry blocks, recycled anomalous elements, displaced blocks and lateral shift of superstructure. Vadi Medi, a pillared structure, shown varied orientation of intact columns, displaced blocks, fallen and oriented columns. The nature of these signatures exhibits the influence of seismic phenomena which can be categorized as off-fault damage caused by strong seismic shaking. In order to quantify the ground shaking experienced by the structures, seismic hazard analysis which considers all the possible potential seismic sources within a radius of 100 km has been employed. It is identified from the analysis that the damage incurred to the structures is due to the strong ground acceleration experienced during the 1819 and 2001 earthquakes and the recurrence of similar peak ground acceleration is estimated as 700-750 and 500-600 years respectively.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river -a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3-4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that highranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccupied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster, and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
Stylistically too, the temple, on the plan, shows an early form with only one cell for sanctum, t... more Stylistically too, the temple, on the plan, shows an early form with only one cell for sanctum, the very fact places this temple earlier in time than Bhitargaon, which has a small cell attached with the sanctum through a narrow passage. The placement of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna flanking the entrance to the 3rd terrace stairway is also an indication that the temple is the earliest and might have been built during the reign of Samudragupta himself.
With the decline of imperial monotony and the subsequent breakdown of the formalism of the Indus ... more With the decline of imperial monotony and the subsequent breakdown of the formalism of the Indus Valley Civilization, the focus of settlement activity appears to shift towards the east into the Gangetic valley. The cultures that flourish in the Upper and upper-middle Ganga valley are predominantly copper using cultures albeit with gradually dwindling resource network and technology. While in the lower middle Ganga valley sequence, copper technology had a relatively shorter lifespan and it gave way early to the iron. Recent excavations and finds in the western Uttar Pradesh have brought to light sites reaching almost parallel to the end date of Harappan empire. In the middle Ganga valley, due to the eastward movement of the 'technologically stagnant chalcolithism' of the west and westward movement of the early iron users, the stage was set for the big amalgamation and transformation. The Painted Grey Ware people were the main players. However, it is not very much unlikely that the pre-PGW cultures thrived in the Upper Ganga plain and enjoyed good neighbourly relations with the Harappans. The present paper deals with the emerging scenario which requires a reappraisal of the chronological sequencing of cultures.
The site of Ahichhatra has given ample evidence of an ancient bead
manufacturing centre of the Ea... more The site of Ahichhatra has given ample evidence of an ancient bead manufacturing centre of the Early Historic period. Excavations at the site have revealed quite several beads of different material namely, terracotta, bone, ivory, stones, metal, glass and paste. This paper, however, discusses only the stone beads from Early Historic levels
Indian Journal of History of Science, 53.3 (2018) 271-278, 2018
The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcoli... more The Harappan or the Indus Valley civilization flourished as a manifestation of urbanised Chalcolithic culture in the regions of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, Sindh, Gujarat and in adjoining areas with a high level of standardisation in more or less every aspect of life and also with certain degree of formalism. Gold, silver, lead and copper were the metals that the Harappans had mastered and used for ornaments, tools and vessels. The recent chance find from village Harinagar (Teh. Chandpur, Dist. Bijnor) is the first find of the Harappan artefacts east of Ganga. The find-a mix of vessels, tools and implements; and weapons-is very interesting as it not only the largest collection of copper objects outside the Harappa but also is the second largest of all the collection/hoard of Harappan copper objects found so far. The paper is an attempt to critically study the objects in the context of find, context of typology, in the context of composition as well as in the context of technology used in forging them.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river – a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3–4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that high-ranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccu-pied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster , and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujara... more The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river – a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3–4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that high-ranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccu-pied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster , and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.
Purattatva : Journal of Indian Archaeological Soceity 2016, 2016
Two versions are included: manuscript and the journal issue version, as the journal issue version... more Two versions are included: manuscript and the journal issue version, as the journal issue version has omitted needed space, author name and clarification, as well as imbalanced illustrations were presented, I request readers to go through the manuscript version of the article which has same content. Space, spatial modeling and pattern recognition has been a central theme of archaeological discussions since coming of ‘processual’ era of archaeology. Ahichhatra, a fortified site, located in the upper reaches of Ganga plain and a harbor of 3000 years of human cultural activities has immense potentiality in identification of intersite spatial organizations and related human interactions. Present paper aims at achieving an understanding about by individual, communal and social space use and furthermore it attempts to reconstruct the social, ideological and political inter-relations at Ahichhatra, with the help of material and digital data. Ethnographic parallels looking into continuities and changes in use of space and similar spatial activities will be discussed in present paper. Looking at an early historic fortified site with structured power relations between different inhabitant groups and compartmentalization of spatial activities, answers to critical questions about selection of space, reuse of space and ideological conflicts in making and keeping of Ahichhatra are to be sought after in present paper.
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Papers by Bhuvan Vikrama
The present paper deals with the emerging scenario which requires a reappraisal of the chronological sequencing of cultures.
manufacturing centre of the Early Historic period. Excavations at the site
have revealed quite several beads of different material namely, terracotta, bone, ivory, stones, metal, glass and paste. This paper,
however, discusses only the stone beads from Early Historic levels
Space, spatial modeling and pattern recognition has been a central theme of archaeological discussions since coming of ‘processual’ era of archaeology. Ahichhatra, a fortified site, located in the upper reaches of Ganga plain and a harbor of 3000 years of human cultural activities has immense potentiality in identification of intersite spatial organizations and related human interactions. Present paper aims at achieving an understanding about by individual, communal and social space use and furthermore it attempts to reconstruct the social, ideological and political inter-relations at Ahichhatra, with the help of material and digital data. Ethnographic parallels looking into continuities and changes in use of space and similar spatial activities will be discussed in present paper. Looking at an early historic fortified site with structured power relations between different inhabitant groups and compartmentalization of spatial activities, answers to critical questions about selection of space, reuse of space and ideological conflicts in making and keeping of Ahichhatra are to be sought after in present paper.
The present paper deals with the emerging scenario which requires a reappraisal of the chronological sequencing of cultures.
manufacturing centre of the Early Historic period. Excavations at the site
have revealed quite several beads of different material namely, terracotta, bone, ivory, stones, metal, glass and paste. This paper,
however, discusses only the stone beads from Early Historic levels
Space, spatial modeling and pattern recognition has been a central theme of archaeological discussions since coming of ‘processual’ era of archaeology. Ahichhatra, a fortified site, located in the upper reaches of Ganga plain and a harbor of 3000 years of human cultural activities has immense potentiality in identification of intersite spatial organizations and related human interactions. Present paper aims at achieving an understanding about by individual, communal and social space use and furthermore it attempts to reconstruct the social, ideological and political inter-relations at Ahichhatra, with the help of material and digital data. Ethnographic parallels looking into continuities and changes in use of space and similar spatial activities will be discussed in present paper. Looking at an early historic fortified site with structured power relations between different inhabitant groups and compartmentalization of spatial activities, answers to critical questions about selection of space, reuse of space and ideological conflicts in making and keeping of Ahichhatra are to be sought after in present paper.