CHAPTER- IX »'.... It is possible to observe or 'rescue' the stratification from half-a-dozen or so sites, and even if this only establishes relationships between a few of the cultures it must be remembered that this method is basic, and any discrepancies in the stylistic system must be rigorously checked against the stratigraphic evidence. This stylistic method, the comparison of significant types and styles of ornament between the cultures is the second stage and one which is of considerable importance in this particular inquiry owing to the scanty evidence from ex­ cavation, and the correlation of the evidence from these two methods should give a working sequence within the Indian culture province. This sequence can then be checked by the third method, comparison and equation between the Indian cultures and those of Iran and Iraq, where a mass of detail­ ed stratigraphical and chronological evidence exists. The final summing-up from all the three lines of enquiry should give us the best picture available of the Indian culture- sequence in the present imperfect state of knowledge". (Stuart Piggott, 1946:9). 276

THE TRIAL DIG AT BINJOR 1

A small trial dig was carried out at Binjor 1 in March 1970, The objective of this limited dig was to obtain a stratigraphical framework for the western part of the Sarasvatl-Ghaggar valley which could be used for assigning the material from surface sites. For the eastern part of the valley an excellent framework already existed from the site of Kalibangan. The Binjor evidence would also confirm this in a very limited manner as to how far the culture sequence in the western part of the valley tallied with that in the eastern pert,

I did not have adequate resources for a large excavation nor the official sanction for such an undertaking. The present digging was absolutely of a trial nature having the limited objective of finding out the cultural sequence of the site.

The excavation was carried out on a very small scale. In all, three trenches named A, B and C were laid. The largest of these, A, measured 3 meters in length by 2 meters in breadth, whilst the other two, B and C, were 2 meters by 1 meter each. With a view to obtaining the maximum information from the small area which I decided to dig, excavation was done in step trenches on the eastern slope of the mound. In this way, a complete sequence of cultural periods was gained from the highest point of the mound down to virgin soil. 277

Although the results were very encouraging, due to the restricted size of the dig*the conclusions drawn can only be of a tentative nature and will need to be further confirmed by a larger horizontal excavation,

A cultural sequence of three periods ranging from 2400 B.C. to £00 A.D. was obtained, the relative datings being based on a comparative study of pottery and other finds, from sites in Sind , Punjab and Raj as than.

The earliest culture, Period I was found in the lowest layer in Trench B and in all the layers of Trench C. Its pottery bears close resemblance to wares from pre-Iiarappan Kot-Diji as well as those of Kalibangan I; Period II, found in Trench A and in the three top most layers of Trench B, belongs to the Harappa culture which is provided with a C-14 dating of 2090 +. 125 B.C. also from Kalibangan Period II. Period III belongs to the Rangmahal culture which is dated to the Kushana Period. Evidence of this cultural period was found only on the surface of the mound. No habitational levels of this period were found in the excavations. Probably the river was by now completely dried up. Numismatic evidence from the excavations at Rangmahal date this period from 200 A.D. to 600 A.D. (Rydh, 1959: 196-200).

(A)

THE LOCATION OF BINJOR 1

Second Binjor 1 Is the highest and best preserved mound 278

in the western area of Anupgarh Tehsil and was therefore selected for the trial excavation. It is situated in Chak No. 4 MM, (the alphabetical letters MM standing for Mansoor- wala Minor Canal) 6 kilometers to the north-east of Anupgarh. It is surrounded on all sides by tilled fields and during the sowing season is used as a parking ground for idle tractors. The site is flanked by the Gang Branch Canal 4-5 kilometers to its north-east and by the Mansoorwala Minor Canal, a subsidiary of the Anupgarh Branch which in turn is a distributary of the Raj asthan Canal, 2 kilometers to its south-east side.

The mound is circular in shape. It is 5 meters high and is 150 meters in diameter. The surface is thickly littered with red pot sherds belonging to Harappa and Rang- mahal cultures. Almost in the centre, at the highest level is a small hut used temporarily by the watchman who guards the surrounding fields. From this point one can see dunes on the north-east which presumably mark one of the banks of the dried up Sarasvati-Ghaggar.

(B) THE TRENCHES a. £tra,UKr»phy. of Kranch A

Trench A, 3 m in length and 2 m in width with its longer axis running NE-SW was laid on the highest part of the mound. The trench yielded no evidence of Period III, its 279

top most layer beginning with Period II and its earliest ending with it. This trench was dug to a depth of 1.40 m below surface level.

Layer I was 30 cm thick and was composed of habita- tional debris. A Harappan floor level was encountered at a depth of 20 cm below surface. In the north-east corner of the trench was a large, burnt patch ranging from 15 cm to 20 cm in thickness, showing streaks of ash and red, burnt plaster. Two thick streaks of charcoal, about 15 cm in length were found : these extend into the section and might be the remnants of wooden posts or roof supports which collapsed due to a conflagration. Even the Harappan pot­ sherds in the vicinity were charred black. When the floor level was excavated in its entirety, the burnt wood was found to be an infiltration from a later habitatlonal debris and a pit could be clearly distinguished in the section. The rest of the trench showed a house floor and two house walls constructed of irregularly sized mud bricks. These walls have been named Wall A and B. Wall A was 68 cm thick, whilst the complete measurement of Wall B was not available. Wall A (Fig. 108) ran diagonally across the trench and extended into the west south, south-west corner, whilst the other, Wall B, forms a right angle and extends towards the northern corner. The bricks were placed lengthwise in straight lines; it was very difficult to trace all of them. Bricks which could be clearly traced were alone plotted to scale. Brick (a) measured 21 cm and 18 cm x 20 cm x 19 cm; 280

brick (b) measured 31 cm x 18 cm and 20 cm; brick (c) measur­ ed 34 cm x 12 cm and 11 cm and were bonded together by thick layers of plaster.

The house floor displayed evidences of disturbance. One oven baked, wedge shaped brick lay over a half crushed Harappan pot in a horizontal position, at a depth of 25 cm below surface, whilst another lay embedded in the debris. The bricks measured 28 cm in length, 15 and 9 cm in width respectively along the broader and narrower ends and were 4-5 cm in thickness. Underneath the debris, on the house floor, four circular outlines of plaster lined pits or un­ baked vessels, were traced (See Fig. 103). pit I with a dia­ meter of 42 cm was found to enclose a turtle shell, a burnt brick, a pot lid and a burnt triangular terracotta cake. Outside the pit, on one side lay a terracotta cake near a burnt plaster outline and a little, small S shaped Harappan tumbler with flaring rim and bulbous side (Pi. Vi:A).

Pit II, having a diameter of 56 cm was found whilst clearing the debris and crushed pot fragments under the wedge-shaped brick. A large snail shell and a bi-valve shell (Fig. 100: A) were found under the pot, the latter having a smoothened edge, with a horizontal cut made on its bulbous side.

Pits III and IV having diameters of 56 cm were traced near the wall in the north-north-west corner of the trench, ftearby a chank bangle fragment lay embedded in the 281

section.

A copper bead (PI. i:9j Fig. 102IA) and a chert blade (PI. 1:6; Fig. 102:0 were found at a depth of 20 cm in the west-south corner and a cranelian bead was found from the same level amid the debris near the collapsed pot.

One meter of the southern part of the trench was taken up for further digging; the rest was left undug. This was because hired labour was increasingly difficult to get due to the harvesting season which claimed all healthy males available in the area.

Layer 2, also Harappan, extended from 31 cm to 80 cm. It consisted of hard, compact, light-brown coloured soil* A blotchy red ware and thin pottery with a deep pink slip were recovered.

Layer 3, also Harappan, extended from 31 cm to 1.20 m. Here a platform constructed of vertically placed mud-bricks, measuring 33 cm x 13 cm x 3 cm was cleared. It revealed the bricks to be of uniform size unlike the ones used for the house floor and walls.

Layer 4, possibly Harappan, extended from 1.21 m to 1.40 m. It consisted of a mud filling of 10 cm below which a second platform of mud bricks was disclosed. The bricks measured 30 cm x 17 cm x 3 cm and were placed in a horizontal east-west direction throughout the trench (Fig.109). A thin spread of black clay powder or soot was noticed in the 282

western corner over the first brick course. Since time was short and it seemed obvious that the bricks continued further below the exposed 3-4 courses) work was stopped at 1,40 m and a new trench was opened at a lower level on the slope of the mound*

*>• fftaftUgrajihy of Trencfr g

A new Trench;B;was laid at a level of 1.6 m below that of Trench A on the eastern slope of the mound at a distance of 13.50 m from the south-east side of Trench A and at right angles to it. This measured 2 m in length by 1 meter in breadth and was dug to a depth of 2.70 m. Four layers were recognized in this trench.

Layer 1, Harappan in nature, extended from the surface to 10 cm below. It was loose and consisted of mixed Harappan and Bangmahal pottery. Its thickness on the southern side was more than on the northern side, the level varying because of the mounds slope.

Layer 2, also Harappan, was 35 cm in thickness, extended up to 45 cm below surface level. It was loose and cloddy in make-up and dark brown in colour.

Layer 3 revealed Harappan and pre-Harappan evidence. It was 1.65 m in thickness and extended to 2.10 m below surface level. It was compact and light brown in colour with chunks of mud brick turning up occasionally. Intense observation and brushing of the section revealed faint cracks 383

and fissures in the sections and mud brick outlines were noticeable) the average measurements of the bricks being 33 cm x 13 cm x 3 cm. This layer was composed entirely of horizontally placed bricks forming a platform in the arrangement of headers and stretches. This platform cover­ ed the whole trench and must have certainly extended beyond the confines of the trench on all sides. Nine courses were traced. Embedded in this mud brick platform were thin, deep pink slipped and/or plum slipped and black collared red ware vase and jar fragments as well as thick parallel striated red ware sherds. This pottery bears no resemblance to that of Period II in Trench A and is completely foreign to it resembling in character the pre-Harappan ware from Kalibangan, Kot-Diji, Harappa and similar surface collec­ tions from Binjor 3 and Berore. Intense burning was noticed in the northern corner of the trench immediately below the mud-brick plate at 1.40 m. Pottery sherds recovered from this area were also charred, some even containing charred food. At a depth of 1.53 m below surface a tiny phial (PI. I :3) was recovered. This is exactly similar to two surface finds (not illustrated as they were found much later) from Binjor 3.

Layer 4, purely pre-Harappan, has a thickness of 60 cm and extends to a total depth of 2.70 m from the sur­ face. Period I begins in this trench immediately below the brick platform of Period II. This layer continues to be very hard and very compact like layer 3. At 2.20 m below 284 surface, fragments of a larger, plum painted, black decorat­ ed censer dish were recovered. A rare red ««£ war« dcooratod Incised fragment was also recovered from the same level, A buff and black painted vase turned up at 2.35 m. Other finds consisted of a terracotta toy cart wheel and a spindle whorl* c. Stratigraphy of Trench C

Trench C was started at a lower depth of 1.60 m from Trench B and yielded evidence of Period I alone. It was dug down to virgin soil which was reached at a level of 2*60 m below surface level*

Layer 1, was 20-30 cm in thickness and consisted of potsherds mixed with surface debris*

Layer 2, yielded Harappan and pre-llarappan ware, It was 60 cm thick and extended to a depth of 90 cm from the surface. It consisted of brown earth and is the same level as that encountered in Trench B, Layer 4.

Layer 3 yielded pre-Harappan pottery* It was 35 cm in thickness and extends to a depth of 1.35 m below surface level. It is more compact than Layer 2 and is light brown in colour. A thinly spread layer of ash and charcoal probably signifying a floor level was found. A very rare grey bead with white spots having a flat, truncated barrel shape was found at a depth of 1.35 m below the surf aceC^-100^) • 285

Layer 4 also yielded pre-Harappan material. It was 1.15 m in thickness and extends to a depth of 2.50 m below surface. It is light brown in colour and consists of fallen mud-brick and habitational debris which yielded a red ware decorated ife a buff or kaolin slip and black pigment. A white, compact ashy patch, 30 om in length and lumps of clay with dung, probably parts of a fire place were found at a depth of 1.60 m from the surface. The pottery yield start­ ed diminishing 2 m below surface level* Kankar appeared at a depth of 2.10 m. A green sandy flood layer, 2 cm to 5 cm in thickness occurred at a depth of 2.50 m. Below this, river silt was encountered at 2.60 m. This yielded nothing. Digging was continued in virgin soil up to 2.80 m below surface* d. Correlation of layers in Trenches A. B and C

Trench Trench Trench Culture ABC

Layer 1 H 2 1 H

3 2 H

4 H

3 1 & 2 PH, H

4 3 PH

4 PH

The earliest encountered layer of all is Layer 4 286

of Trench C which rested upon virgin soil and where the largest amount, of kaolin or buff slipped ware was found; a couple of similar sherds were found in Trench B Layer 4 also. The third layer in Trench C is equivalent to Trench B's layer 4 on the basis of similar ceramic finds. This early period which is composed of Trench C Layers 3 and 4 and Trench B, Layer 4 is the earliest on the mound. It is not encountered in Trench A as work was stopped in it at a level of 1.40 m below surface level. Trench C Layers 1 and 2 consisted of mixed debris from the surface and hence is not of great importance in this study.

Trench B Layer 3 did yield a few Period I sherds but this is certainly due to the fact that the Period II people built their platform on the debris of the earlier people. Hence, Layers 3, 2 and 1 of Trench B which are true Harappan in composition are equivalent to Layers 4, 3, 2 and 1 of Trench A which are also Harappan.

•• Brick Sizes in Centimeters from BinJor 1

Trench A Platform I 33 x 13 x 18 Trench B Platform II 30 x 17 x 8 Trench B Platform I 33 x 13 x 8

Brick size in cm from Kallbangan Period I 30 x 20 x 10 Brick size in cm from Kalibangan Period II 40 x 20 x 10 30 x 15 x 7.J

Platform I of Trench A and Platform I of Trench B 287

are similar in brick size* The evidence points to this platforms beings constructed during the Period II occupa­ tion of the site as it is superimposed by Harappan house levels and second, because the Harappans are known to have built platforms on which they erected their houses. There is very little difference between the brick sizes of Kalibangan Period II (30 cm x 15 cm x 7.5 cm) and bricks of Blnjor Period II (33 cm x 13 cm x 8 cm).

It is, as yet, not possible to account definitely for the 10 cm of mud deposit between the two platforms in Trench A; the brick arrangement and sizes are different. The brick size of Period II is intermediate between the Harappan and pre-Harappan measurements of Kalibangan. The problem of the period to which Platform II of Trench A belongs can only be cleared up by a wider excavation.

(C) AjJC.HAj&ofaoqigAj, um ime&msmi a> Pottery

The major evidence from the earliest period at Binjor 1 consists of pottery which can be grouped as under :

1. Plain Bed Ware 2. Black Painted Red Mare 3. Black Painted Buff Slipped Bed Ware 4. Incised Bed Ware §. Parallel Striated Red Ware 6, Ribbed Red ware 7. Buff Ware

The different wares have already been dealt with In detail In Chapter VII as regards clay, baking, technique, surface decoration and distribution In the Sarasvati-Ghaggar valley and outside It, hence It Is not Included In this chapter* The types have been described and compared straight­ away so that undue repetition can be avoided.

Below Is a table showing the similar wares which occur at Binjor 1, Period I end at Kallbangan 1, Period I.

CHART- 7

Blnjor 1, Period I Kallbangan 1, Period I

1. Black Painted Buff = Fabric £ Slipped Red Were 2. Black Painted Red Ware * Fabric C 3. Incised ware = Fabric D 4. Thick and Thin Parallel * Fabric B Striated Ware 5. Ribbed Ware • ? 6. Buff Ware = ? b) Pottery Types (a) Plain Red Ware: Black Painted Red Ware* Black Painted Buff Slipped Red Waret Buff Ware fypt I

Vase (PI. 11:8; Fig. 95.1) with outgoing rim, short concave 289

neqk, sloping shoulders and ovoid body. Externally decorated by a black band from rim to neck and semi-circular buff bands outlined in black with a zig-zag line sandwiched in between*

Type u

Vase (PI.11:18; Fig. 95: II) with short, flaring rim. concave neck, drooping shoulders and an oval body. Black painted at rim followed by a broader buff band and a semicircle in the same colour outlined in black. Variant a (Fig. 95: Ha) is smaller with a thin flaring rim and globular body, externally painted by buff and black lines.

Type HI

Vase (Fig. 95: III) with rounded everted rim and concave neck. Externally decorated by a black band at rim followed by a buff band.

Type IV

Vase (Pi. 11:4; Fig. 95: IV) with outgoing, rounded rim, concave neck and sloping shoulders. Rim externally decorated in black is followed by a horizontal cream band and 3 lines in black.

Type V

Vase (Pi. II:3; Fig. 95*.V) with outgoing rounded rim with short concave neck and globular body. Decorated by a thick buff slipped band up to the shoulder over which the rim is black painted; 3 black painted lines occur also at the shoulder. The body is decorated by a rounded black painted design with hatching on a buff base. Variant a (PI. 11:1; Fig. 95:Va) has a slightly everted rounded rim with, sloping shoulders. It is self slipped and externally

black painted from rim to neck andAby a thick puff band. Variant b (PI. II: Sj Fig. 95:Vb) has a straighter neck and has an externally black painted rim, buff band and two black lines at the shoulder.

?ype u

Vase (Fig. 95:VI) with everted rim, short concave neck and steeply convex sloping shoulders. Externally decorated by 2 thick black bands which nave been painted over a buff base which extends from rim to shoulder. Part of a circular line appears on the shoulder.

Type VII

Large vase (PI. 11:2? Fig. 95:VII ) with short, flared rounded rim, slightly constricted neck and sloping shoulders. Has black and buff bands on its external sur­ face.

gyp? VII*

Vase (PI. Il:17t Fig. 95; VIII) with short flared 291

rim and sloping shoulders. Rim Internally black painted. Externally buff slipped and decorated with horizontal black bands at neck and vertical straight lines at the shoulder.

TTP? ift

Vase (PI. II: 20; Fig. 95!IX) with everted rounded rim, internally and externally black painted till just below the neck. External surface decorated by a buff band.

Bu,ff Ware

Jar (PI. 11:9; Fig. 95:X) with beaked out rim and concave neck. Buff slipped. tXB&JL

Platter (PI. 11:11? Fig. 95:Xl) with vertical sides and flat base. Buff slipped.

Black-On-Red Ware

Type m

Miniature Phials (PI. 1:3; Fig. 96:xil; Xlla) with short everted rims, concave necks with carinated widths and flat bases. Plum slipped.

?yp« Xiii

Vase (PI. 1:4; Fig. 96:XIII) with small outgoing rim, 292

sloping body, carination at width and a ring base with an internal knob. Plum slipped. Rim internally painted. Externally black painted up to the neck with two thin lines at shoulder and a thicker band on the carinated portion. Variant a (Fig. 96:xiIIa) has a short everted rim, concave neck sloping shoulders and ovoid body. Mm internally black painted; externally black painted up to the neck and at the shoulder by a thin line. Faint traces of 2 black painted fragmentary circular lines are noticed on the body. Variant b (Fig. 96:XIIIb) has a thin, flaring rounded rim and globular sides. Externally black painted from rim to neck and having 2 curved black lines on the body. Variant c (Fig. 96:xHTc) has a thick everted rim, concave neck and sloping shoulders. Black painted from rim to neck.

Vase (i'^lg* 96:XIV) with everted rim, concave neck and sloping shoulders. Black painted at the neck. Variant a (Fig. 96:xiVa) has a short everted rim and bulbous body. Extern­ ally painted with 2 black bands one at rim and one at the shoulder. Variant b (Fig.96: XlVb) has sloping shoulders. Variant c (Fig. 96:xiV c) has a short everted rim and a constricted neck. Variant d (Fig. 96: XlVd) has a flaring rim with a concave neck and sloping shoulders. Slip worn off. Decorated internally at rim by a black line and externally by a thick band extend­ ing below the neck and a line at the shoulder. (Pl.X-i-, Vase or cooking pot /(Fig. 96:XV) with bevelled out rim, straight neck, lodged shoulder and an elongated ovoid body widening at base. It is painted from rim to neck by a black band and by a thin line below the shoulder, the space between them being decorated by a deep plum to pink slip. The lower half has soot marks on its external portion. This vessel was probably used for cooking or heating food. Variant (Fig. 96:xVa) has a flared, constricted rim, outgoing neck and a more pronounced ledge. Its external decoration is incomplete.

Jype m

Large basin (Fig.96:XVI) with externally and internally nail headed rim and convex flaring sides.

Type XVII

« Jar (Fig. 96:XVII) with flaring, rounded rim. sype vm

Jar (Fig. 96:XVIII) with overhanging rim.

Jar (Fig.96:XIX) with bevelled rim, ledged neck, drooping shoulders and an ovoid body. Plum slipped and decorated by a broad black band from rim to neck and a thin line below the shoulder. Variant a (Fig. 96:xlXa) is smaller in size with sloping shoulders. Variant b (Fig.96:xiXb) has a bevelled out rim and possibly a bulbous body.

TYPe U

Vase (PI.1:2? Fig. 97: XX) with bevelled out rim, ledged neck and sloping shoulders. Decorated up to the shoulder by a plum coloured slip and by a black band from rim to neck and a thin line at the shoulder. Below the applied «•* line a sandy solution has beenAthe body and impressed with a design of multiple loops or wavy lines. Unique fragment. Variant a (Fig. 97:xXa) has a concave neck. Variant b (Fig. 97lXXb) has sloping shoulders and is decorated by horizontal lines. Variant c (Fig. 97:XXc) is the smallest in size and has a beaded rim and ledged neck; variant d (Fig. 97:XXd) has an everted rim, concave neck and ledged shoulder.

Type ffil

Large Jar (Fig. 97IXXI) has a square rim, pro­ nounced ledged neck and sloping shoulders and bears a chocolate or sepia slip. Decorated at rim and shoulder by a black line. Variant a (Fig.97:xxla) has a beaked out rim. type uil

Flanged jar (Fig.97:XXII) with a globular body, red slipped, and decorated by 2 black bands at rim and flanged, 295

followed by 3 thinner lines, the lowest suspending pendant loops. Below two more lines are drawn horizontally and bear an Incomplete design within a panel. Variant a (Fig. 97:xXIIa) has an upward curved flange and Is decorated by horizontal bands. Variant b( (Fig. 97:xxilb) is smaller and has a grooved rim. Variant c (Fig. 97:XXIIc) has a bevelled out rim and is decorated with horizontal lines and bands. yypf um

Flanged jar (Fig.97:XXIII) with a deeply grooved rim,sloping shoulders and bulbous body. Decorated by 3 horizontal lines at neck.

|7P« MY

Deep bowl (Fig. 97:XXIV) with a wide rounded mouth and shallow grooved neck. Red slipped and externally decorat­ ed by a thick band at the mouth and 2 lines below the shoulder, the lower one having suspended loops.

Type Xfflf

Beaker (Fig. 98:XXV) with a slightly beaked out rim and converging sides. Variant a (Fig.98:XXVa) has a bevelled and beaked out rim and straight sides. Variant b(Flg.98:xxVb) has a beaked out rim and is decorated externally by a black line at rim; variant c (Fig.98:xXVc) is a bowl type with a rusticated external surface.

Tiny bowl (Fig. 98: XXVI) with thin rounded rim and rounded sides s the rim is decorated externally and Internally by a black line*

Ty?« mil

Sub-spherical bowl (Fig. 98:XXVII) with plain, inturned, rounded rim. Rim decorated by a black line on both sides. Variant a (Fig. 98:XXVIla) is larger and has an external carination. Probably supported by a pedestalled base. Externally decorated by a band at the rim. im mm

Large basin (Fig. 98:XXVIII) with a square rim and sharp vertical concave sides. Decorated externally by a black band at rim. Variant a (Fig. 98:xxVIIIa) has a blunt carination.

*yp« gK

Small bowl (Fig. 98:XXIX) with a rounded and evert­ ed rim and convex flaring sides. Perforated just below the rim. Plum slipped with a black band painted internally at the rim. Type XXX

Large dish (Fig. 9S:xXX) with sharp rim and convex sides. Internally bichrome slipped in plum and pinkish buff and internally decorated at rim and shoulder by single black lines, the plum slip appearing between them* Variant a (Fig. 98:xxXa) is rough and unsllpped externally.

Medium sized bowl (Fig. 98:XXXI) with rounded rim and slight carination at shoulder decorated by a black band. Variant a (Fig. 98:xXXIa) is larger and is deep pink slipped from within and decorated internally by a painted line at rim and shoulder.

Type um

Shallow dish (Fig. 99:XXXII) with rounded rim. Possibly on stand. Variant a (Fig. 99:xxxila) probably part of a censer has a square rim.

type UUil

Trough (Fig. 99:XXXIII) with square rim and flaring convex sides. Internally decorated by a plum slip in between black painted horizontal lines.

gyp? miv

Censer (Fig. 99:XXXIV) with beaked out rim, carinated 298

sides and steeply inward sloping sides. Probably on pedestal base. Decorated externally at carlnation by a black band.

Type sag

Large basin (Fig. 99:XXXV) with nail headed rim and slight carlnation on the external side* lype um

Censer (Fig. 99:XXXVI) on long stemmed base, with flared rim and mild external carlnation. Slipped all over in plum. The rim is internally decorated by a wavy line in between straight lines. Externally it is decorated by a thin black line at the rim and by three dashes or tear drops, possibly a potters mark. Variant a (Fig. 99:xXXVIa) is smaller and shallower and is also all over slipped in plum which gives a lustrous appearance and is internally decorated at the rim by four, thin parallel straight lines. Variant b (Fig. 99:XXXVI b) is smaller than type XXXVI but appears deeper and is decorated internally at the rim by 5 thin straight lines. All these censers were found in the lowest excavated levels of Trench B.

Type IXSfll

Flat base (Fig. 100:XXXVII) with a tall narrow stand or stem. Unique.

IYP« flUSVI» Lid or bowl (Fig. 100:XXXVIII) with a round rim and 299

corrugated convex sides.

?ype jflBH

Shallow plate (Fig. 100:XXXIX) with rounded rim and carinated base. Externally decorated horizontally by rope incision and vertically by reed or rope impression and then a thick black line. Possibly on a pedestal base.

B f.J S g

Nos. 1-5 Flat and ring base (Fig. 100« 1-5); (Fig. 100:1) Nos. reveal internal knobsf 5-8 (Fig. 100:5-8) show different sizes of raised ring bases; 9-11 (Fig. 100:9-11) pedestal bases; 12-14 (Fig. 100:12-14) censer stands.

(b») Plain Incised Red Ware

IrPff. I

Vase (PI. 1:5; Fig. 101:A) with rounded rim concave neck and possibly an ovoid body. Externally decorated by a crude incised design possibly consisting of horizontal chevrons below straight lines. Comparable to a vase from Binjor 3 surface collection (n-1 Fig. 101:B) which has a slightly out turned rounded rim. It was deep-red slipped and decorated by a broad black band from rim to neck and by two horizontal incised lines and incised zig zags.

(c1) Parallel Straited Red Ware (Thick)

Two sherds were recovered (Fig. 10l:F,G). Refer 300

Chapter VII, pages 16*?-IT/.

Parallel Striated Red Ware (Thin)

Two thin parallel striated sherds were found (Fig. 10i:D). Refer Chapter VII.

Cd') Ribbed Red Ware

One unique externally ribbed sherd was found in the lowest layer of Trench C (Fig. 101:E).

(•') Motifs on Black Painted Red Ware and Black Painted Buff Slipped Red Ware and Their Comparison with Motifs from Other Sites

Motif I

Flaring Arches (Pl.Ii: 8; Fig. 95:I) formed by double lines with a zig-zag line sandwiched in between in black colour on a cream base. Occurs on Type I. A similar design is also seen on Type II (PI. 11:18; Fig. 95:11). On Type V (PI. 11:3$ Fig. 95:V) the same design is depicted with hatching.

Motif II

Vertical lines (Pl.Ii: 17; Fig. 95:VIII) drawn at intervals below a group of horizontal lines. Seen on Type VIII. Seen also on motifs in black-on-red ware (Fig. 101:J).

Motif III

Diagonal and vertical lattice (PI.11*14,16$ 301

Fig. 95:A,B).

Motif IV

Single wavy line (P1.II:10; Fig. 95:J) in black in between horizontal straight lines on a buff base* Same motif in Black-on-Red Ware (Fig. 99:XXXVI).

Motif *Va

Multiple wavy lines (PI. II:19j Fig. 95:K) in black on a buff surface, below black horizontal lines.

Pendant loop (PI.II: 12} Fig. 95:H) in black in between horizontal lines on a buff slipped surface. Also seen on in Black-on-Red Ware (Fig. 97: XXIV).

Motif VI

Circle (PI. II: 24$ Fig. 95.C) outlined in black with buff filling.

Motif VII

Part of an unknown design (PI. 11:21; Fig. 95:D) outlined in black with buff coloured filling.

Motif VIII

Criss-cross (Pl.IIilSj Fig. 95:1) design in black with buff filling in one portion. 302

Motif IX

Pendant strokes (PI. IIj 6,13,7$ Fig. 95:E|F$G) straight and curved, parts of an unknown larger design associated in one instance (Fig. 95:B) with a circular line and diagonal lattice*

ttotif X

Curved lines or semi-circles (Fig. 96:XIII, XHIa).

Motif ftl

Filled segments (Fig. 101:K,M).

Diamonds or stylized buckranian motif (Fig.lOllH) panelled by straight lines in vertical and horizontal arrange­ ment.

(f) Chart showing similarity of pottery types from BinJor 1. Period I. to those from Other pre-Harappan Sites HKXtfaaYSarassMartr**

g H A fi T-8

Binjor 1, Period I Other Pre-Harappan Sites

Black Painted Buff Slipped Red ware l'ype II (Fig.95:II) Type I, Binjor 3 (Fig. 63:1) C H J R I (Contd.)

Binjor 1, Period I Other Pre-Harappan Sites

Type V (Fig.95:V) Type I, Berore (Fig. 44:I) Type VI (Fig. 95:VI) Type VIII, Sothi (Fig. 15:VIII) Type VII (Fig.95:VII) Type VIIIc, Sothi (Fig.4:VIIIc) Type VIII (Fig.95:VIII) Type 11a, Sothi (Fig.2:lla) Type IX Fig. 95: IX) Type IV, Sothi (Fig.14: IV)

Plain and Black Painted Red Ware Type XII (Fig.96:xil) Type 1 Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig. 8:1) Type XIII (Fig.96:xiII) 1. Berore Type Ilia neck portion,(Fig. 44:Ilia); 2. Kot-Diji vase, Layer 14a and base Layer 10, (Khan, 1965: Fig.l7:25f Fig. 20:13) Type XHIa (Fig.96:xiIIa) Type Illb Sothi (Fig.l3:IIIb) Type XHIb (Fig.96:xiIIb) 1. Type Va, Binjor 3 (Fig.64:Va) 2 Type Xa, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:Xa) 3. Type IVd, RD 89 (Fig.72.#IVd) 4. Type Vb, RD 89 (Fig.73:Vb) 5. Type 11, RD 89 (Fig.79:11)

Type XIIIc (Fig.96:xiIIc) 1. Type VII, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:VII) Type XIV (Fig.96:XIV) 1. Type Xa, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:Xa) 2. Type 14a, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.8:i4a) Type XlVa (Fig.96:XIVa) 1. Type X, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:X) 2. Type 33, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.9:33) 3. Amri Beaker Type from Amri Period IA (Casal, 1964, II: Fig. 40:12) Type XlVb (Fig.96:XIVb) 1. Type Xf, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:xf) 2. Type Illb, Berore (Fig.44:IIIb) -Contd.- 304

fi S ART (Contd)

Binjor 1, Period I Other Pre-ilarappan Sites

Type XlVd (Fig.96:xiVd) 1. Type lb, Sothi (Fig.l3:ib) 2. Type Via, Binjor 3 (Fig.64:via) 3. Type VIb, Rd 89 (Fig.74:VIb) Type XV (Fig.96:xV) 1. Binjor 3 (Fig. 62, 64, 65) 2. Kallbangan I (Fig.115,118; IAR, 1962-63: Fig.5:3; and Fig. 8:5). 3. Type 15, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.8:15) Type XVI (Fig.96sXVI) Type XVIII Rd 89 (Fig.76:xVIII) Type XVII (Fig.96:XVII) 1. Type II, RD 89 (Fig.72:II) 2. Type 29, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.94:29). 3. Amri Type, (Casal, 1964, II: Fig.52:120). Type XVIII (Fig.96:xVIII) Type IX, Rd 89 (Fig.74: IX) Type XIX (Fig.96:XIX) 1. Type lib, Binjor 3 (Fig.62:llb) 2. Type Xlc, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:XIc) 3. Type 17, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.94#.17).

Type XX (Fig.97:XX) 1. Type II, Sothi (Fig.l3:il) 2. Type XI, Binjor 3, (Fig.65:XD 3. Type I , Tarkhanawaladehra (Fig.30:l) 4. Type 141, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.8:14d)

Type XXa (Fig.97:xXa) 1. Type Xlb, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:xib) 2. Type 3a, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.92:3a) Type XXb (Flg.97lXXb) Type 3a, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947, Fig.92:3a) Type XXd (Fig.97»XXd) Type 14d, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.92:14d)

Type XXI (Fig.97:xxl) Type from Kallbangan I (IAR. 1961-62: Fig. 15:2) -Contd.- 305

CHART (Contd.)

Binjor 1, Period I Other Pre-Harappan Sites

Type XXIa (Fig.97:XXIa> 1. Type VIII, Berore (Fig.45:VIII) 2. Type Xld, Binjor 3 (Fig.65tXId) 3. Type 16a, Harappa Cut XDC (Wheeler, 1947: Fig. 9:16a) 4. Type from Layer 8, Kot-Diji (Khan, 1965: Fig.23:3) Type XXII (Fig.97:XXII) Type XVIId, Binjor 3 (Fig.66:xVIId) Type XXIIa (Fig.97:xxila) Type XVIIa, Binjor 3 (Fig.66:xVIIa) Type XXIIc (Fig.97:xxilc) Type XVIIc, Binjor 3 (Fig.66:xVIIc) Type XXIV (Fig.97:XXIV> Type VII ? , Rd 89 (Fig.74:VII) Type XXVb (Fig.98:xXVb) Type from Layer 14a, Kot-Dijl (Khan, 1966: Fig. 17:10) Type XXVc (Fig.98:xxVc) Type 20, Harappa , Cut XXX, (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.9:20) Type XXVI (Fig.98:xXVI) 1. Type from Kalibangan I (Fig.113; ;AR. 1962-63: Fig.3*.18) 2. Type from Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947; Fig. 18:C) Type XXVII (Fig.98:xXVII) Type XVII, Sothi (Fig.l8:XVII) Type XXVIIa (Fig.98:xXVIIa) 1. Type XXI, Sothi (Fig.l9:xXI) 2. Type from Kot-Diji (Khan, 1966: Fig. 22:8). Type XXIX ( Fig.93:xXIX) 1. Type VII, Sothi (Fig.7:VII) 2. Type XVI, Sothi (Fig.l8:XVI) Type XXX (Fig.98: XXX) 1. Type C, Nohar (Fig. 24:c) 2. Type XV, Binjor 3 (Fig.65:XV) 3. Type 33, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig.94:33). 4. Amri Type Period II A, IB, ID (Casal, 1964, II: Fig.39, 47, 54, 62) 5. Type Q40, Quetta sites (Piggott, 1947: Fig.4:40)

-Contd.- CHART (Contd.)

Binjor 1, Period I Other Pre-Harappan Sites

Type XXXIIa (Fig.99:xXXIIa) 1. Type XXIV, Sothi (Fig.2l:xXIV) 2. Type from Kot-Diji (Khan, 1965: Fig. 22:4) 3. Types from Amri Pd. IA and IB (Casal, 1964, II: Fig.38, 47) Type XXXIII (Fig.99:XXXIII) Type 6, Harappa Cut XXX (Wheeler, 1947: Fig. 92:6) Type XXXIV (Fig.99:XXXlV) Type XVIIIa, Sothi (Fig.67:XVIIIa) Type XXXVII (Fig.100:XXXVII) 1. Type Q 46, Quetta sites (Piggott, 1947: Fig.4:46) 2. Type from Sialk III (Girshman, 1938-39:LXXI) 3. Type from Giyan V (Conteneau and Oirshman, 1935:58) Type XXXIX (Fig. 100:XXXIX) ? Type VII ?, RD 89 (Fig.80:VII) c) Terracotta Finds The Terracotta finds from Binjor 1, Period I, con­ sisted of buff painted bangles (PI. II: 25,26; Fig. 95:L,M), a long biconical bead (PI. 1:11; Fig. 100:0); a disc (Flg.lOO:C), a vhorl (Fig.l00:£) and balls or sling stones (Fig. 100:D). d) Lithic Finds

Llthic finds were scarce. One single flat, barreled bead made of grey chert with white spot was recovered from Layer 3 in Trench C (PI. 1:10; Fig. 100:F). It is worn in the form of an amulet in North India to cure kidney ailments. 307

•> Copper Finds.

A copper bangle (Fig. 102IF) was found on the sur­ face of Trench C. It may be Harappan. Origin uncertain.

(D) umm& Exaas a. Pottery

Harappan pottery found on the house floor of Trench A, Layer one, alone has been illustrated (Fig.102, 103).

Type I Vase (Fig. 102:1) collapsed under brick wall refer diagranUfi.v-. 8; fiy log). Types 2 and 3 Lids (Fig. 102:2,3) Type 4 Complete flaring rimmed goblet (Fig.102.4) embedded in house floor near tortoise shell pit. Types 5 and 6 Small saucers or lids (Fig. 102:5,6) Types 7 and 7a Straight necked beakers or vases (Fig.102:7,7a) with ovoid bodies. Type 8 Base (Fig. 10218) of beaker Type 9 Base of vase (Fig. 102:9) Type 10 Censer dish (Fig. 103#.l) Type 11 Pot (Fig. 103:2) Type 12 Base of pot (Fig. 103:3) Type 13 Storage Jar (Fig. 103*.4) Type 14 Unusual vessel (Fig. 103:5) Type 15 Basin (Fig. 103:6) with incurving nailed rim. Type 16 Trough (Fig. 103:7) with beaked out rim and slanting side. Variant a (Fi(i.l03:7a) with an undercut, more accentuated, beaked rim and sloping sides. *>• Terracotta Finds

The terracotta finds consisted of circular (Fig.l02:G) and triangular (Fig.102:1) terracotta cakes In great numbers and terracotta bangle fragments (PI* 1:12, 13). c» Lithlc Finds

Lithic finds consisted of two carnelian beads (PI. i:7,8j Fig. 102:c,D)j one chert blade (PI.I.6; Fig. 102:8); pestles and a rubber stone (Fig. 100.B). d. Copper Finds

The copper finds consisted of a circular (PI.I.9;

Fig. 102:A) found on the house floor level or Trench A, Layer one and a surface find of a copper bangle (Fig.l02tF).

e. Shell Finds

A large perforated shell (Fig.lOO.A) was found under a collapsed pot (Fig. 102:1). This may have probably been used as a pendant as its edges have been smoothened. A chank bangle (PI.1:14) was embedded in the section of Trench A, Layer I. Two large tortoise shells (PI. vi : A ) were found on the house floor of Trench A, Layer I, the smaller one being within a plaster pit or unbaked vessel.

(E) COMMENTS

Because of the absence of the censer at Amri Period IA, 309

Kot-Dlji early levels, and pre-Harappan levels of Harappa Cut XXX* and from Its appearance at later stages, It has been said that it was Introduced by the Harappans to the pre-Harappan communities (Manchanda, 1969:171). It has further been stated that the censer reached Amri from Chanhu- daro and Kot-Diji from Mohenjo-daro; Harappa being some distance away having therefore missed the Harappan impact (ibid., 171). The scholar has tried to trace the "evolu­ tion" of censers at "the pre-Harappan centres of India as has been noticed at Mohenjo-daro and Chanhu-daro. The 'squat type' appears before the 'Tall type' and gradually diminishes and transforms into broad medium-high squat stand, profusely decorated on the exterior (ibid., 169).

On the absence of the squat variety at Kalibangan I the scholar has suggested that this site is 'younger' than the other pre-Harappan sites mentioned above. Furthermore, it is said that the Kalibangan I censer with short, projected rim and bowl-on-stand suggests "the route of penetration of the Harappan Ideology from the direction of Harappa via river Sarasvati rather than from Mohenjo-daro. Thus.... the offer­ ing stand which was a cultural concomitant of the Harappans was copied ceramically by the so-called pre-Harappans when they came into contact with the Harappans", (ibid.. 171-172).

There are certain discrepancies in these state­ ments. Evidence of pottery from all the pre-Harappan sites has been illustrated in order to draw the above conclusions. 310

Yet, two chalices from Kalibangan I, one in Fabric C (Fig.115; l£ft> 1962-63: Fig. 5:16) and one in Fabric E (Fig.118; IAR« 1962-63: Fig. 8:12), have been wrongly illustrated as censers in spite of being totally different types. Six other illustra­ tions consists only of stands (Manchanda, 1969: 164: Fig. 1, 2; 165, Fig. 3,5; 167: Fig. 6; 168: Fig. 10) upon which concep­ tions have been based without taking into consideration the fact that the existence of the stand does not mean that it had to have a dish of a particular nature superimposed on it.

At Binjor 1, which is closer to the Bahawalpur- Bikaner border than Kalibangan 1, in the very restricted area in Trench B three censer dishes were found in the early undisturbed pre-Harappan layers. These had an all-over plum- purple slip with simple decorations in black on the internal rims. This leads one to suppose that censers were not so rare in pre-Harappan layers as has been Implied above. Especially Si*ce. no sherd count has been published of the Kalibangan I material.

An overall study of the pre-Harappan cultures leads one to suppose that it had its roots in Western Asia. The censer, then, instead of merely being a borrowing from the Harappans, might concievably be a legacy derived by both the pre-Harappan'8 and Harappans from a third common source such as Klsh or Jamdet Nasr.

Our knowledge of the pre-Harappans is too fleeting for sweeping statements to be made regarding their borrowing 311

of Harappan traits. The latter arriving as infiltrators into the Sarasvati Valley could not have so endeared themselves to the earlier communities that they even adopted their traits* The latter would be possible only under duress.

Another statement has been made regarding jars with perforated flanges. It has been opined that the "variety in shape and decoration of these jars and their spread in time and space to Raj as than and Saurashtra is due primarily to Harappan influence (Manchenda, 1969: 221)•

That the Harappans derived this particular Jar style from the pre-Harappans is more than evident from Chapter VII. It is even to be met with in Baluchistan (Fig. 17:A-B) and in the Punjab at Harappa Cut XXX below the Rampart. Wheeler (1947) 95) has clearly stated that this flanged jar is found at Harappa but is not present in the mature Indus ceramic assemblage of Mohenjo-daro.

Owing to some unknown, inexplicable reason the flanged jar became extremely popular in the Sarasvati-Ghaggar Valley where it is met with at every single pre-Harappan and Harappan site in both levels (Fig. 17IXII? Fig. 25:VII| Fig. 30.V* Fig. 35:10j Fig. 57I4J Fig. 6913; Fig. 66.XVII? Fig. 69:8; Fig.75.XIj Fig. 79:iV? Fig. 97:XXII). Since a later element cannot influence that which was in existence before it, we can safely presume that the Harappan flanged jar in Raj asthen was the direct outcome of the existing pre-Harappan type in this area. When the Harappans reached Saurashtra they brought with them a type which was pre-Harappan in origin and usage.