Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION
Until the early half of the twentieth century it was generally believed that the
authentic history of India started withthe Macedonian attack led by Alexander. Some
scholars like V.A. Smith were inclined to put the sixth century B.C.E. as a watershed
after which the more reliable history of India is available. V.A. Smith (1904)
mentioned that there is a wide gap between the Stone Age and historical period in
India and settled life begin during the 6th -5th centuries B.C.E. i.e. during the
Buddhist period. When John Marshal in 1924 announced the discovery of a forgotten
civilization in the Illustrated London news, pushing back at a stroke the antiquity of
the settled life in the India by 2000 years the theory of V.A. Smith was automatically
proven wrong. It also changed the mind of western historians that there was no
can say unique as compared to the Mesopatiana and Egyptian civilizations in terms
of town planning. Its town planning comprised of the citadel and lower town; streets
and lanes which intersect each other at right angle. The dazzling discovery of the
Harappan Civilization in the early twentieth century was one of the most significant
The expansion of the civilization is now recognized over a total area of 1.5
million square km. extending Sutkangen-dor in Pakistan near Iran border in the
west;Alamgirpur (Uttar Pardesh) in the east and Manda (Jammu and Kashmir) in the
56
Map 3.1 Show expansion of Harappan civilization and major excavated sites
Expansion of the Harappan civilization in the study area was first traced by
found Harappan pottery and antiquities in the lower levels. After that a number of
57
scholars, have conducted explorations in the Upper-Ganga plains and discovered a
number of sites (see table 2.2&3.2). Apart from these explorations some sites viz.
Survey of India. A brief description of excavated sites and other explored sites is
given below.
Alamgirpur
The site was discovered and excavated ((IAR 1958-59:50-52) by Dr. Y.D.
spreads over an area of about 0.5 hectare. The excavations have revealed four
cultural periods, with a break in all. The earliest deposit at the site belongs to late
phase of Mature Harappan; total habitation deposit of this phase was 180 cm.
goblets with pointed base, straight-sided dish, cylindrical vase, perforated jars,
chakla, dish with slightly incurved rim etc. Most of the pottery was treated with red
slip. The painted motifs include geometrical, floral and faunal motifs. Geometrical
designs are simple bands, triangles, squares, intersecting circles. Floral motifs
include leaf and plant motifs and faunal motifs include peacock and dear. The
After a long gap of about 50 years the site was again excavated by University
of Cambridge, the Deccan College, Pune and the Directorate of U.P. State
58
Archaeology, Lucknow. In 2008 the site was reopened(Singh, R.N. MSS).
Two circular structures along with floor made rammed clay and a mud wall
are the only structures of the Harappan phase. Several phases of occupation are
evident on the southern side of this wall but the deposits on the northern side had
Pottery recovered from the Period IA include plain and painted red, red
slipped, and grey wares. A limited quantity of black ware was also present. The main
shapes in Harappan pottery include, perforated jars, cylindrical vases, lid with a
central knob, shallow dishes with incurved rim, shallow basin with tapering sides,
jars with long neck and flaring mouth and miniature pots.The range of painted motifs
decreases, and groups of painted bands become common in the upper levels. Painted
motifs executed in black on red surface comprise simple bands, triangles, squares,
circles, peacock- animal (Nilgai?), plants, birds and fish, etc. Some sherds bear
simple graffiti marks and incised designs. Incised decoration recalls the typical Bara
tradition. Some bone points, antler beads of terracotta, faience and semiprecious and
59
fragments of terracotta bangles, pendants and ear studs are the other finds found in
No structural remains were found, but some fragments of kiln& baked bricks
were found, some of them have typical Harappan ratio i.e. 1:2:4. Other minor objects
include beads of steatite, faience and other semiprecious stones; bangles of faience
and terracotta, miniature bowl of faience, a pin and blade of copper; a gold bead was
the metal repertoire. Terracotta objects include cakes of various shapes, humped
bull, snake and bear figurine. Typical Harappan letters were found on pottery sherds
(Figure 3.1).
Survey of India during the period 1963-64 (IAR 1996-64:56). This site is located
north-west of the villageAmbhkheri. This is a single culture O.C.P site but some
pottery akin to Harappan pottery was also found during the excavations. In total 13
page report is given. Common pottery shapes are dish-on-stand, vase with flaring
rims, ring stands, vase with undercut rims, basins with undercut rim, ring stand, long
neck was bulbous body, miniature cup, lid with central knob, long neck flask with
60
flaring rim and flat base etc. Some pot sherds were decorated with chord design, mat
impression and horizontal raised bands on the exterior. A few sherds were found
treated with slip. A few shreds of washed grey ware with thick, thin and medium
fabric.
Other finds include beads of carnelian, terracotta objects like toy cart wheel
with central hub, humped bull figurine, cakes. Stone objects include saddle-querns
and pestles. Some fragments of kiln baked bricks were also found.
Bargaon
north of Saharanpur on the left bank of river Maskara, a tributary of river Yamuna.
Total habitation deposit was about 100 cm. and excavations have yielded
remains of late phase of Harappan culture and OCP culture. The common pottery
shapes are dish-on-stand, bowl with featureless rim, lid with central knob, goblet,
ring stand, pedestal led cups, long neck globular flask. Some sherds were found
decorated with chord impression and incised bands and small oblique lines, among
the painted designs cross hatched triangles, horizontal bands, wavy lines are
common.
61
Other noteworthy finds were copper rings, chert blade, weight, terracotta
animal figurine, toy cart frame, long bi-conical bead, hubed wheel and cakes. No
structural remains have been found in the entire deposit (Figure 3.2).
62
Hulas
was excavated by Archaeological Survey of India in 1978-79 under the direction Sri
K.N. Dikshit. It spreads over an area of about 5.67 hectare and is about 5 m. high
from the ground levels. Excavation has yielded five fold cultural-sequenceranging
from Harappan to Gupta period. Period-1 belongs to Harappan and late Harappan
period and is about 250 cm. thick. In total five structural phases have been
identified. In the lowest levels mud bricks were found used in the rectangular houses,
in the middle levels of Period-I circular huts were found, in the upper levels both
mud bricks houses and huts along with mud houses found used for dwelling purpose
(Dikshit 2010:243). Some fragments of kiln baked bricks were also found having
In the pottery some typical Harappan shapes such as dish with a projected rim
and carinated shoulder, shallow dish with incurved rime, globular vase with flange
around neck are present at the site but in limited numbers. Goblets with pointed base
as found at Alamgirpur are totally absent here. Common pottery shapes are dish-on-
stand with drooping rim, jar with splayed rim, jar with everted rim, bowl like lid with
central knob, pots with ring and pedestal base, flask with thin section etc. In the grey
ware, thick jars with undercut rim and bowls with everted rims are common. The
painted motifs include simple bands, triangles, mat design, row of hatched diamonds,
leafs, dancing peacock with hatched body. Majority of painted motifs are of
63
Other important finds include terracotta animal figurine, cakes, truncated
bicone beads and balls with incised marks, fragment of copper bangles,cheisels,
spiral ring, wire, needles with eye and fish hook. Stone objects include quern and
pestles, faience objects include beads and bangles; bone points and beads of agate.
Most noteworthy find was a terracotta sealing having three typical Harappan letters.
This is the only evidence of Harappan seal or sealing in the Upper Ganga plain.
64
Figure 3.3:Pottery from Hulas after Dikshit 2010.
65
Sanauli
500 m. north-east of the village. A cart track from the village leads
Actually the site came to notice of the archaeologist, when a news was
Archaeologist visited the place and confirmed that the site belongs to
late Harappan period and is a cemetery site (Sharma et. al 2004). Later
all were excavated with varying depths. In total, one hundred and sixteen
and other excavated sites normal heads were found towards north and
66
orientation of the burials were also found similar to Sanauli. Excavator
Extended burials:
In this type of burials entire skeletons was found in the grave with
goods are in the form of pottery, were found placed near head. In some
of the burials dish-on-stand with broad stem was found below pelvis.
and gold bangles. Out of 116 burials, 52 burials were found of this
category.
Secondary burials:
Symbolic burials:
goods were found in the burials. Twenty nine burials have been
excavated at Sanauli.
67
Double burial:
specimens were found in this burial. Apart from pottery, steatite and
agate beads was also found. The arrangement of the bones suggests that
both were buried at a time. This type of the burials wereearlier reported
Triple burial:
found. So far as known, this is the only example of triple burial in the
entire Harappan civilization. This burial contains two urns covered with
not a primary burial because many bones were found missing. Therefore,
specimens were found along with bones. Out of these nine flasks were
two jars, two lids having bull figurine like knob, three dish-on-stands
and six bowls. One dish-on-stand was found placed below pelvis and
68
Excavations at Sanauli has its own significance as far the first time
context. Two antennae sword were recovered from the site. One was
found in situ in Burial No. 14 and second was recovered by the village
during removal of the soil. Earlier at some other sites in the Ganga plains
semiprecious stone, gold bangles and other objects like beads of faience
and copper bangles. Not even a small piece of gold was found in
69
Figure3.4 : Pottery from Sanauli
Mandi
situated on the ancient site. Mr. Anil, owner of the land, was leveling his
70
et al 2000:36-41). He informed the archaeologist about this hoard. It was
found from the lower levels at the site. Pottery recovered from the site
belongs to Harappan and other historical times. As the hoard was found
from the lowest levels and found typological bysimilar to the Harappan
The main shapes include dish-on-stands, dish with dropping rims, vases
with disc base, storage jars, lid with central knob, nail headed bowls and
Some of the objects are in display at National Museum, New Delhi. This
hoard comprised of beads of gold, agate, onyx, etched carnelian and two
copper containers and some silver objects were also included. The whole
Spacers
71
Bell shaped beads - 42
Heart shaped hollow gold bangles. Such bangles (but thin in section),
banded agate and a few etched carnelian beads. Apart from these some
fragments of silver bangles and silver vase were also found here. So far
and Allahdino in Pakistan and Lothal and Kunal (Khatri and Achrya,
1995) in India.
sites of late phase of Mature Harappan and Late Harappan period. These
72
Table 3.2Explored Harappan Sites
Cultural
S.No Site District E N Sequence Reference
Joshi et al.
1 Abha Saharanpur 77.73333 29.91667 LH
1984: 522
MH, LH,
PGW, IAR 1958-
2 Alamgirpur Meerut 77.36667 29.00000
HistHarap 59: 50-51,
pan
Joshi et al.
3 Alipur Saharanpur 77.45000 29.98333 LH
1984: 522
Joshi et al.
4 Aneki-5 Saharanpur 78.01667 29.98333 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1966-
5 Asanwali Saharanpur 77.60000 30.03333 LH, OCP,
67: 43,
Joshi et al.
6 AtiKund Saharanpur 78.15000 29.90000 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
7 Badgam Saharanpur 77.53333 30.10000 MH, LH 1984: 521,
522
IAR 1967-
8 Baherakhurd Saharanpur 77.66667 30.05000 LH
68:,
IAR 1964-
9 Bahupura Saharanpur 77.50000 30.00000 LH
65: 43,
Muzaffarna Dikshit
10 BantiKhera -1 77.43333 29.50000 LH
gar 1981: 72,
Muzaffarna Dikshit
11 BantiKhera -2 77.45833 29.50000 LH
gar 1981: 72,
IAR 1963-
12 Bargaon Saharanpur 77.53333 30.20000 LH, OCP
64: 56-7,
Joshi et al.
13 Barsi Saharanpur 77.36667 29.71667 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1966-
14 Baundki Saharanpur 77.61667 30.06667 LH, OCP
67: 43,
IAR 1966-
15 Bazidpur Saharanpur 77.60000 30.05000 LH, OCP
67: 43,
Joshi et al.
16 Bhabri Saharanpur 77.63333 29.95000 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1960-
Bulandsha 61: 66,
17 Bhatpura 78.05000 28.53333 LH, OCP
hr Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1967-
68,
18 Bhedki Saharanpur 77.60000 29.95000 LH, OCP
Joshi et al.
1984: 522
Joshi et al.
19 BhudhaKhera Saharanpur 77.51667 30.05000 LH
1984: 522
73
Dikshit
Bhura, Muzaffarna 1981: 115,
20 77.23333 29.41667 LH
Muzaffarnagar gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
21 Bilaspur Saharanpur 77.21667 29.73333 LH
1984: 522
Bulandsha Joshi et al.
22 Chandpur 78.06667 28.61667 LH
hr 1984: 523
Joshi et al.
23 Chaurdeo Saharanpur 77.73333 29.95000 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1966-
OCP, 67: 43
24 Chhajpura Saharanpur 77.61667 29.98333 Mature Joshi et al.
Harappan 1984: 521,
522
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
25 ChhaparHeri Saharanpur 77.50000 29.90000 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
26 Chilhera Saharanpur 77.65000 30.03333 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
Pande&
27 Chouradeo Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH Ramachandr
an 1971: 38
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
28 ChunehtiShekh Saharanpur 77.71667 29.90000 LH Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
IAR 1985-
29 Dalheri Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH
86: 85
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
30 Daudpur Saharanpur 77.60000 30.08333 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
Bulandsha IAR 1984-
31 Daulatpur 78.18333 28.23333 LH, OCP
hr 85: 86-8
Bulandsha Joshi et al.
32 DevalKhera 78.25000 28.33333 LH
hr 1984: 523
Joshi et al.
33 Dhamola Saharanpur 77.58333 30.00000 LH
1984: 522
Joshi et al.
34 Dudli Bukhara Saharanpur 77.60000 29.93333 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1985-
35 Dugchari Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH
86: 85
74
Muzaffarna IAR 1986-
36 Dungar 77.36667 29.25000 LH, OCP
gar 87: 80
Joshi et al.
37 Faridpur Saharanpur 77.75000 30.10000 LH
1984: 522
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
38 Fatehpur 77.38056 29.46250 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
378
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
39 FatehpurJat Saharanpur 77.51667 29.93333 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
40 Fatehpur Saharanpur 77.53333 29.88333 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
522
Joshi et al.
41 Gadhrona Saharanpur 77.96667 29.76667 LH
1984: 522
Joshi et al.
42 Garh Saharanpur 77.96667 29.95000 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
43 Gathera Saharanpur 77.50000 30.06667 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
44 Ghadrona Saharanpur 77.96667 29.76667 LH
1984: 522
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
45 Ghana Khandi Saharanpur 77.60000 30.06667 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
523
IAR 1963-
Bulandsha 64: 91,
46 Gulistanpur 77.50000 28.50000 LH, OCP
hr Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1963-
64: 91,
47 Gulistanpur Meerut 77.50000 28.50000 LH, Hist
Joshi et al.
1984: 521
Joshi et al.
48 HardaKheri Saharanpur 77.46667 30.03333 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
49 Haribas Saharanpur 77.66667 29.95000 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
50 Hatampur Saharanpur 78.01667 29.95000 LH
1984: 522
Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
51 Hatchhoya-1 77.30000 29.61667 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
Muzaffarna Dikshit
52 Hatchhoya-2 77.30000 29.60000 LH
gar 1981: 72,
75
Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1980-
LH,
81: 73-6,
53 Hulas Saharanpur 77.36667 29.70000 PGW,
Joshi et al.
Hist
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
54 Hulas Saharanpur 77.36667 29.70000 MH, LH
1984: 521
Gaur and
HussainpurBop Muzaffarna
55 77.70556 29.35278 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
ada gar
378
Gaur and
Muzaffarna LH, OCP,
56 Huzur Nagar 77.66667 29.31667 Lal 1992:
gar Hist
378
Joshi et al.
57 Jainer Saharanpur 77.71667 30.03333 LH
1984: 523
Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
58 Jandheri 77.43333 29.66667 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
59 Jasal 77.28333 29.35000 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna LH, OCP,
60 Jaula 77.41667 29.27917 Lal 1992:
gar PGW
378
LH, OCP, Gaur and
Muzaffarna
61 Jhal 77.34722 29.27083 PGW, Lal 1992:
gar
Hist 378
Muzaffarna Joshi et al.
62 Kailapur 77.98333 29.33333 LH
gar 1984: 523
IAR 1966-
67: 43,
63 Kailaspur Saharanpur 77.65000 29.98333 LH, OCP Joshi et al.
1984: 521,
523
Dikshit
1982a: 115,
64 Kalahetti Saharanpur 77.21667 29.70000 LH
Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1965-
65 Kalbeto Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH
66: 54
Muzaffarna Joshi et al.
66 Kariyana 77.25000 29.38333 LH
gar 1984: 523
Joshi et al.
67 Kaseri Meerut 77.36667 28.73333 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
68 Kashimpur Meerut 76.66667 28.83333 LH
1984: 523
76
Joshi et al.
69 KaulHeri Saharanpur 77.28333 29.88333 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
70 KaulaKheri Saharanpur 77.30000 29.68333 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
71 Kazipur Saharanpur 77.45000 29.96667 LH
1984: 523
Khanpur, Bulandsha Joshi et al.
72 77.56667 28.41667 LH
Bulandshahar hr 1984: 523
Joshi et al.
73 KharKhoda Meerut 76.75000 28.83333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1964-
65: 44,
IAR 1966-
74 Khatauli Saharanpur 77.66667 30.00000 LH, OCP
67: 43,
Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1984-
75 KhedaJat Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH, OCP
85: 92
Pande&
76 Kolkikalan Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH Ramachandr
an 1971: 39
Joshi et al.
77 Kota Saharanpur 77.63333 29.90000 LH
1984: 523
IAR1966-
67:
43,Dikshit
78 Kridhni Saharanpur 77.50000 29.91667 LH, OCP 1982a: 114,
Joshi et al.
1984:
521,523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna LH, OCP,
79 Kudana 77.37222 29.42917 Lal 1992:
gar PGW
378
Joshi et al.
80 Kulki Kalan Saharanpur 77.65000 29.93333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1984-
81 Lahboli Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH, HIst
85: 92
Joshi et al.
82 LandhaurGujar Saharanpur 77.51667 29.88333 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
83 Mahipura Saharanpur 77.56667 29.96667 LH
1984: 523
Bulandsha Joshi et al.
84 Manpura 78.01667 28.51667 LH
hr 1984: 523,
Joshi et al.
85 Mathana Saharanpur 77.73333 30.00000 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
86 MatkiJhrauli Saharanpur 77.58333 30.06667 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
87 Mayapur Saharanpur 78.13333 29.93333 LH Joshi et al.
77
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
88 Meerut Meerut 77.75000 29.00000 LH
1984: 523
Mirpur, Joshi et al.
89 Saharanpur 77.26667 29.91667 LH
Saharanpur 1984: 523
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
90 Mohiuddinpur Saharanpur 77.63333 30.00000 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
91 Mulaheri One 77.66944 29.38750 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
378
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
92 Mulaheri Two 77.66944 29.38750 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
378
Joshi et al.
93 Nahli Meerut 77.55000 29.23333 LH
1984: 523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
94 Nala 77.27778 29.28889 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
378
Joshi et al.
95 Nalhera Meerut 77.35000 29.16667 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
96 NalheraBakal Saharanpur 77.50000 29.98333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1964-
97 Nanauli Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH
65: 44
Nasirpur, Joshi et al.
98 Saharanpur 77.85000 29.75000 LH
Saharanpur 1984: 523
Joshi et al.
99 NawanGaon Saharanpur 77.43333 29.88333 LH 1984:
521,523
Joshi et al.
100 Papreki Saharanpur 77.61667 29.95000 LH
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
101 Pathori Saharanpur 77.61667 29.83333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
102 Piki Saharanpur 77.60000 30.03333 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
IAR 1963-
64: 92,
103 Pilakhni Saharanpur 77.48333 30.01667 LH
Joshi et al.
1984: 521
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
104 Pinjaura Saharanpur 77.55000 29.93333 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
105 Pujana Saharanpur 77.35000 29.68333 LH Joshi et al.
78
1984: 523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
106 PurBalian Two 77.66667 29.35611 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
378
Joshi et al.
107 Puranpur Saharanpur 78.00000 29.96667 LH
1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
108 Rahatpur 79.31667 29.65000 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
V. Smith
1905: 231,
B.B. Lal
1954-55:
146,
109 RajpurParsu Bijnor 78.16667 29.16667 LH, OCP MakkhanLal
1984a: 366-
7, Joshi et
al. 1984:
523
Joshi et al.
110 Rangel Saharanpur 77.66667 29.93333 LH 1984:
521,523
Joshi et al.
111 Rasulpur Saharanpur 77.56667 30.00000 LH
1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
1982: 115,
112 RatnaKheri Saharanpur 77.50000 29.95000 LH
Joshi et al.
1984: 523
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
113 ReriMalakpur Saharanpur 77.48333 29.91667 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
Joshi et al.
114 Sabdalpur Saharanpur 77.35000 29.93333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1965-
66: 54, Joshi
115 Salarpura Saharanpur 77.26667 29.81667 LH
et al. 1984:
523
Joshi et al.
116 Salepur Saharanpur 77.35000 29.93333 LH 1984:
521,523
SalimpurMahd Joshi et al.
117 Saharanpur 77.06667 29.93333 LH
ud 1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
118 Sambhalkha 77.33333 29.41667 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
79
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
119 Sarkari Sheikh Saharanpur 77.60000 30.00000 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,524
Joshi et al.
120 Shakarrpur Saharanpur 77.95000 29.80000 LH
1984: 523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna LH, OCP,
121 Shamli-Shamla 0.00000 0.00000 Lal 1992:
gar PGW
378
IAR 1966-
67: 43, Joshi
122 Sherpur Saharanpur 77.65000 29.88333 LH, OCP
et al. 1984:
521,523
Gaur and
Muzaffarna
123 Shikarpur One 77.49444 29.42778 LH, OCP Lal 1992:
gar
379
Muzaffarna Joshi et al.
124 Sikrea 77.96667 29.30000 LH
gar 1984: 523
Sikri, Muzaffarna Joshi et al.
125 77.91667 29.53333 LH
Muzaffarnagar gar 1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
126 SingauliTaga Meerut 77.38333 28.91667 LH
1982a: 115
Joshi et al.
127 SubriKhwaja Saharanpur 77.61667 29.88333 LH
1984: 523
IAR 1965-
66: 54, K.N.
128 Tatarpur Kalan Saharanpur 0.00000 0.00000 LH
Dikshit
1982a: 115
Joshi et al.
129 TeliWala Saharanpur 77.96667 29.95000 LH
1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
Muzaffarna 1981: 72,
130 Thana Bhawan 77.41667 29.58333 LH
gar Joshi et al.
1984: 523
Joshi et al.
131 Thathaula Saharanpur 77.98333 29.76667 LH
1984: 523
K.N. Dikshit
1981: 72,
132 Tikrol Saharanpur 77.36667 29.73333 MH, LH Joshi et al.
1984:
521,523
29 26 77 34
Sharma,
Muzaffarna
133 Mandi LH, Hist D.V. et al
gar 02.42 20.33 2000
29 08 77 12
Sharma,
134 Sanauli Badut LH, Hist D.V. et al
27.0 56.0 2006
80
Structures
So far as Hulas is the only site in study area which show the gradual decline
in the structural remains. Earliest settlers of the site were living in the mud bricks
rectangular houses, in the middle phase of the Harappan deposit mud bricks houses
gradually transformed in the mud wall house and in the lattest deposit late Harappan
were living in circular huts as evident from the post holes. Some mud and mud
bricks walls were also reported from Alamgirpur. A few kiln fired brick bats were
also reported from Harappan deposit at Hulas and Alamgirpur. It can be suggested
that baked bricks may have been used only in drains or similar ancillary structures.
Food Economy
The fertile plain of the study area must played a vital role in attracting
Harappans in the Ganga Plain. Availability of water is another plus point for
agriculture. Hulas is the only site which enrich our knowledge regarding the food
habit and cropping pattern of the Harappans of Ganga Plains (IAR 1986-87: 132)
The floral remains identified at Hulas includes, rice (Oryza sativa); barley
include lentil (Lens culinaris); field pea (Pisumsativum var. Arvense); grass-pea
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(Vignacatjang);Cotton (Gossypiumarboreum/Herbaceum) and a fragments of hard
seed coat of castor (Ricinuscommunis) are the important discoveries. Among the
Some dry fruits were also reported at Hulas which includes, almond
(Oryza sativa) husk were also noticed on brunt plaster pieces. The floral remains
indicates that Harappans use to sow two crops annually viz. Rabi and
Alamgirpur is the only site from where we know about the animals, which
were used by Harappans of the study area for food and other purpose. BholaNath and
M.K. Biswas studied the faunal remains of the site (1969). The domesticated animals
Chronology
The beginning of the Mature phase of the Harappan culture can be put at ca.
2650 BCE. C14 dates from the Harappan sites of Haryana, such as Bhirrana, Farmana
and Mitathal suggest 2500-2000 BCE time bracket for the entire Mature phase.
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Recent excavations conduced at Farmana (Shindeet. al 2011), a site located about 90
km. west of Yamuna confirms that here full-fledged classical Harappans lived
between 2550-2200 BC, parallel to Harappa Period 3A and 3B. This site was
abondoned when it was at itsfull zenith. Yet another site Mitathal (Manmohan
Kumar et. al 2011), jointly excavated by M.D.U.,Rohtak and Deccan College, Pune
and RINH, Kyoto, Japan was first occupied around 2200BC as suggested by
ceramics and AMS dates. Excavator of Mitathal claimed that pottery recovered from
the upper level fromFarmana, was recovered from the lowest levels of Mitathal.
Pottery from Alamgirpur and Hulas is identical similar to the pottery of mid to upper
and parallel to Harappa 3C. Bara type pottery appeared in the upper levels at
Mitathal and many Bara pottery types are available at the sites of Upper Ganga
plains.
K.N. Dikshit (1982) has developed two phases for the Harappan complex in
western Uttar Pradesh: Phase I between 1700 to 1500 BCE and Phase II between
1300 to 1000 BCE. So far asonly two C14 datesfrom Hulas (IAR 1986-87:127) has
been published from the area under present study and both are quite early viz. 2560
BCE and 2000 BCE. A few charcoal samples have been analyzed from latest
and the earliest dates comes around 2400 BCE. If we co-relate radiometric dates with
pottery types and material culture, the theory given by K.N. Dikshit can be accepted
with some modification. Some classical Harappan shapes are present in the study
area such as long stem dish on stand, beakers, pointed goblets, perforated jars,
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whereas other shapes such as ‘S’ shaped jar and classical Harappan paintings are
totally absent in the study area. The pottery recovered from the Ganga Plains is
parallel to Harapa Period 3C. Chert blades, so far has not been reported from any
Late Harappan site of Ghaggar and Punjab plains, but found in the Mature Harappan
levels at all the excavated sites. In the area under present study,chert blade has been
reported from Bargoan. Mitathal is the only site which can give an general idea
Most of the pottery types recovered from the study area during the explorations are
present from lowest levels to latest levels at the site. Late Harappans of the Upper
Pottery
Pottery recovered from the study area can be classified in to two categories
vizHarappan pottery and Late Harappan pottery, later can be re-classified in two sub-
categories viz. Bara pottery and Local pottery. It is quite note-worthy that late Siswal
pottery, which is commonly found in the Haryana is totally absent in the Upper
Ganga plain.
Smoothing and scraping techniques with fast rotation are distinctively used. Painted
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pottery is included having horizontal bands, figurative and geometric motifs and
Local pottery includes dish-on-stand with dropping rim, vases, jasrs, vase
with ring base, bowls basins. The painted motifs include simple bands, hatched
triangles, hatched diamonds, chains with bands, leaf, peacock with hatched body.
The Bara pottery includes large storage jar with being collared, beaked or
thickened, beaded or beaked rim, large lota-shaped vase; vase with carinated body;
squat or long-stemmed dish-on-stand, dish or large bowl with a variety in rims; large
storage trough, jar with ring base, bowl-like lid with or without central knob, and
cylindrical concave-necked flat-based ‘bottle’ are some of the main shapes in the
black-on red Bara pottery. Painted motifs includes opposed triangles or semi-circles,
or lozenges, hatched ‘nets’, loops with hump surmounted by vertical lines, grouped
solid dots between bands. Incised designs executed with pointed or multi-stranded
twig on the shoulders consist of plain bands, wavy lines or zigzags. To have better
idea about the pottery, the researcher conducted explorations in the Yamuna-
Hindondoab and collected large number of pottery and antiquities which are
discussed below:
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Pl. 3.1 Pottery from Alamgirpur
projecting rim. The upper surface of the rim is grooved. The external surface
2. Jar having a globular body and a beaked rim. The external surface is slipped
in red.
3. Jar having a short out-curved neck with a beaked rim and treated with red
slip.
The surface is smoothened with rotation. The external surface of the body is
1. Bowl having a carinated body and a short out-curved neck with a projecting
2. Jar having a globular body and a beaked rim. The external surface is slipped
3. Shoulder fragment of a jar, decorated with wide black bands of various over a
red surface
4. Body sherd of a vase, having a disc base. The external surface is finished by
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5. Fragment of a jar, decorated with wide black bands over a red surface.
6. Shoulder fragment of a jar, decorated with wide black bands of various over a
red surface.
1. Body sherd of a jar, the external surface is slipped in red and is painted in
2. Fragment of a jar, decorated with wide black bands over a red surface.
1. Shoulder fragment of a jar, decorated with wide black bands and a leaf motif
surface slipped in orange and the outer surface is painted with horizontal
2. Jar having a globular body with a flat base. The lower part is applied with
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Pl. 3.6 Pottery from Alamgirpur
1. Medium bowl having a simple rim. The surface is entirely slipped in dull
2. Medium size bowl having a carinated body and an out-curved neck with a
pointed rim.
with a projecting rim. There is a sharp ledge on the internal surface. The
4. Bowl having a globular body and an out-curved neck with a beaked rim. The
1. Jar having a beaked rim. The external surface is slipped in dull orange, rim is
2. Jar having a beaked rim and a globular body, treated with orange slip.
3. Vase having an out-curved neck with a flaring rim. There is a low ledge on
the shoulder. The external surface from the rim to the ledge and the internal
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2. Lower part of a vase having disc base, treated with red slip.
in red and the lower rim part is decorated with black band.
4. Lower part of a vase having disc base, treated with red slip.
5. Lower part of a vase having disc base, treated with red slip.
1. Jar having a globular body with a flat base. The lower part is applied with
projecting rim and a ledge on the internal side. The surface is entirely slipped
in red.
2. Bowl having a shallow body and an out-curved neck with an overturned rim.
3. Spouted bowl having a shallow body and an out-curved neck with a roundly
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Pl. 3.11 Pottery from Sanauli
1. Vase having a gently out-curved neck with a beaked rim. The entire surface
rim.
rim.
1. Neck and rim fragment of a jar of an out-curved tall neck and a projecting
2. Neck and rim fragment of a jar of an out-curved tall neck and a projecting
projecting rim and a squat body. There is a ledge on the shoulder. The
external surface of the upper part of the body and the internal surface of the
2. Vase having an out-curved neck with a flaring rim, it is treated with yellow-
reddish slip.
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3. Vase having an out-curved neck with a prominently thickened rim of a round
1-3 Fragment of a grey ware vase, decorated with three incised line around
shoulder, entire surface is decorated with small incised circles. This is unique type of
4. Rim fragment of a grey ware vase with a slightly projecting rim. The surface
2. Body and base sherd of a pedestalled vase having a conical pedestal. The
3. Body and base sherd of a pedestalled vase having a conical pedestal. The
4. Body and base sherd of a pedestalled vase having a conical pedestal. The
between the dish and the pedestal. The outer surface is slipped in red.
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2. Stem of a dish-on-stand, treated with red slip.
2. Sherd of lower half of the pedestal of a dish -on-stand has a sprayed shape
with a upward projecting rim. The outer surface is slipped in red.
1. Jar having an open mouth with a beaked rim and finished by streak
burnishing.
2. Large jar having a beaked rim. There is a sharp ledge on the internal surface
of the rim.
3. Jar having a shortly out-curved neck with a beaked rim. The surface is
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Pl. 3.20 Pottery from Sanauli
3. Dish sherd of a dish-on-stand having a shallow body and a flaring neck with
section.
3. Bowl having a shallow body and an out-curved neck with an overturned rim.
4. Spouted bowl, having a shallow body and an out-curved neck with a roundly
projecting rim and a ledge on the internal side. The surface is entirely slipped
in red.
93
6. Shoulder portation of a jar, treated with red slip, decorated with black
7. Rim sherd of a jar, under-cut feature less rim, decorated with red slip.
1. Shoulder sherd of a storage jar, treated with red slip, decorated with two
3. Body sherd of a vase having a globular. The lower part of the shred is slipped
1. Base sherd of a vase having disc base, treated with red slip.
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2. Lower portion of a bowl, treated with red slip and decorated in black with a
5. Body sherd of a jar, treated with red slip akin to classical Harappan slip.
1. Vase having an out-curved neck with a flaring rim. Traces of squeezing are
left on the internal surface. ( Bara, Sharma Y.D. 1982: fig 13.5:10)
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2. Fragment of a Jar having a beaked rim treated with pinks slip.
2. Stem sherd of a dish-on-stand. The central part of the base of the dish is also
intact. On the internal surface of the dish base is executed with nail-like
1. Vase consisting of a tall neck with an out-curled rim and a globular body.
1. Bowl having a shallow body and an out-curved neck with an overturned rim.
2. Small vase having an out-curved neck with a slightly projecting rim and a
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4. Body sherd of a vase having an elliptical body. A grove is executed on the
angular rim.
rim.
6.
rim.
rim.
97
Pl 3.34 Pottery from Shup-2
1. Vase having an out-curved neck with a flaring rim. The entire external
surface except for the lower face of the rim and the internal surface of the rim
2. Vase having an out-curved neck with a under-cut rim. The surface is entirely
slipped in red and the shoulder portion is decorated with black bands.
3. Bowl having a carinated body and short, out-curved neck with a beaked rim.
The entire external surface and the internal surface of the neck portion are
slipped.
2. Jar having a globular body. The external surface of the lower part of the body
3. Jar having a globular body. The external surface of the lower part of the body
4. Jar having a globular body. The external surface of the lower part of the body
98
Pl 3.36 Beads of semiprecious stone and faience
From Hulas.
from Hulas.
PawaitiKhurd.
either side of the ridge forming the chevron pattern, from Ranchar-2.
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6. Fragment of a bangle, flattened section, decorated with criss-cross design in
decorated with oblique lines on either side of the ridge forming the chevron
from Hulas.
from Hulas.
Alamgirpur.
PawatiKhurd.
100
4. Fragment of a bangle, pale reddish orange colour and circular section,
Mukundpura.
2.
2. A terracotta single hubbed wheel, treated with red slip, from Alamgirpur.
1. A terracotta hubbed wheel, partly broken not well finished, from Sanauli.
101
Pl. 3.52 Copper Hoard harpoon from Sanauli
A copper harpoon, with mid-rib, barbs are circular in section but broken it is in good
state of preservation.
Copper bangles from Sanauli, made of copper wire, circular in section, in good state
102
Pl 3.2 Pottery from Alamgirpur
103
Pl 3.4 Pottery from Alamgirpur
104
Pl 3.6 Pottery from Alamgirpur
105
Pl 3.8 Pottery from Hulas
106
Pl 3.10 Pottery from Hulas
107
Pl 3.12 Pottery from Sanauli
109
Pl 3.16 Pottery from Sanauli
110
Pl 3.18 Pottery from Sanauli
111
Pl 3.20 Pottery from Sanauli
112
Pl 3.22 Pottery from Bhopra
113
Pl 3.24 Pottery from Bhura-3
115
Pl 3.28 Pottery from Mukundpura
116
Pl 3.30 Pottery from Ranchar-2
117
Pl 3.32 Pottery from Sahapur Badauli-2
118
Pl 3.34 Pottery from Shup-2
120
Pl 3.38 Faience bangles and miniature vase (1-4:Hulas; 5-6:Alamgirpur;
7:Hulas)
121
Pl 3.41 Terracotta wheel from Sanauli
122
Pl. 3.43 Details of perforation of stone beads
123
Pl. 3.45 Surface details of agate beads
124
Pl. 3.47 Surface and section details of faience vase
125
Pl. 3.50 Section details of faience bangles
126
Pl. 3.53 Copper bangles from Sanauli
127
Figure 3.5 Late Harappan pottery
128
Figure 3.6 Late Harappan pottery
129