Excavation of Early Iron Age Site Khopadi, District , 2013‐2014: A Preliminary Report

Kantikumar Anant Pawar1, Gurudas Shete1, Reshma Sawant2 and Satish Naik1

1. Department of Archaeology, Deccan College Post‐Graduate and Research Institute, Yerawada, Pune 411 006, Maharashtra, (Email: [email protected], shete. [email protected], [email protected]) 2. Flat No. D‐303, Aurum Elementto, Lohgaon, Pune 411 047, Maharashtra, India (Email: [email protected])

Received: 21 September 2014; Accepted: 09 October 2014; Revised: 02 November 2014 Heritage: Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies in Archaeology 2 (2014): 530‐544

Abstract: The Eastern part of Maharashtra, known as , earlier a part of the Central & Berar provinces, shows a considerable typological diversity in the megaliths. The Middle Waingangā basin is an area subjected to the Sporadic discoveries of Number of burials and habitational sites, related directly to the Megalithic culture which have been explored and a few of them have been excavated. (Deo 1970a, 1970b, 1973b, 1982b, 1983; Lucas 1981; Joshi 1993, Nath; Jamkhedkar 1982; Deglurkar, Lad 1991‐94; Mohanty 2001‐ 2003, Gupta and Ismail Kellelu 2002, Ismail Kellelu 2004, 2007, Pawar 2011‐13). Compared to the burial sites very few sites bearing the evidence of megalithic occupation in the Stratigraphy has been excavated so far. This Paper deals with the findings of the current excavation at the site Khopadi. Preliminary comparative studies carried out with other known excavated Early Iron Age sites in Vidarbha such as Takalghat Khapa, Naikund, Paunar, Raipur, Bhagimohari and Mahurjhari, shows earliest habitational evidences of this period at Khopadi.

Keywords: Early Iron Age, Khopadi, Vidarbha, Pre‐Iron Age, Megalithic, Maharashtra, Vidarbha Chalcolithic

Introduction The Megalithic culture of Vidarbha which is largely associated with an Early Iron Age is broadly known for its bewildering types of the burial tradition associated with the presence of Iron. Excavated habitation sites with an evidence of megalithic occupation are very few in numbers (Mohanty et al., 2002). An adequate understanding of regional manifestation within the Pre Iron Age and Early Iron Age has yet to be reached. The beginning of the settlement at the sites like Arni in Yavatmal and Kaudinyapur in Amravati district, started with megalithic occupation followed by Early Historical period (IAR 1978‐79, p. 71; Dikshit 1968). Whereas the sites like Tharsa (IAR 1989‐90), Shirkanda (IAR 1991‐92) and Adam in suggests Chalcolithic‐ Megalithic affiliation in the beginning of the settlement. The Chalcolithic period at these above mentioned sites termed as “Vidarbha Chalcolithic Culture”, which is Pawar et al. 2014: 530‐544 distinct and has separate origin than the Deccan Chalcolithic and the Central Indian Chalcolithic Culture (Nath, 1989‐90).

Khopadi and Its Environment The site Khopadi (Lat. 22° 37.30’ N, Long. 79° 31.30’ E) is situated on the bank of in Kuhi Taluka of Nagpur district, Maharashtra (Fig. 1). The site is 45 km Southeast of Nagpur and 2 km away from present Kuhi Village on the Kuhi‐Varoda road (Naranje 2013). The site covers an area of 7‐9 hectors along the bank of Nag river which further divided by the tar road in two localities. The site is undulating in nature due to the cultivated field but most of the portion is having cultural deposit between 3‐ 4 meter. The survey of exposed section along roadside in 2009 revealed continuous cultural sequence from Chalcolithic to the Early Historical Period. The Chalcolithic culture of the Vidarbha region termed as ‘Vidarbha Chalcolithic’ was first defined after the excavation at Adam (Nath, 1989‐90, p.96). The period was also identified at several other sites. But due to lack of detailed publication, it still remains to be mystery for the students working on Vidarbha Archaeology. The sites like Adam, Pachkheri (IAR 1992‐ 93, p.64‐73) and Mandhal (IAR 1975‐76, p.44) are located within 15 km radius from this site. Taking into account these above factors, with following primary objectives excavation was undertaken at the site Khopadi.

Figure 1: Map Showing Location of Khopadi Village

• Though some Megalithic stone circles have been excavated earlier by Central/State archaeology departments and universities at Naikund, Junapani, Mahurzhari, Takalghat‐Khapa, Pachkheri, etc. but such habitational site excavation are very few.

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• Very few sites have such continuous cultural occupation in the whole Vidarbha region. Why this site has been chosen by ancient inhabitants? This was needed to be investigated. • Origin and development of Vidarbha Chalcolithic culture, as separate entity is debatable issue. Whether it is regional development or it has some connection with Deccan Chalcolithic culture? Attempts have been made to understand relationship between both the cultures. • Transition from rural Chalcolithic to Early Iron Age and later to Early Historical period, needs to be investigated for their related/separate horizons.

The Trench The site was under wheat cultivation therefore trench was taken at open land available in front of small temple located on the site in locality 1. A trench measuring 5 x 5 m was taken for excavation out of which 2.75 x 2.25 m area in eastern half of the trench has been excavated upto natural soil to know the cultural sequence. The surface of the trench was slightly higher at eastern end and was sloping towards west.

Stratigraphy Total thickness of habitation deposit in the trench was 2.40 m. It exposed 9 layers (Fig. 2). Layer 1 was formed due to the field and temple related activities taking place on the surface. Layer 2 was disturbed which contained several burrows and also Early Historic pottery along with Early Iron age pottery. Layer 3 was relatively brown and had cracks all over exposed surface. It was exposed in entire eastern and half of the southern section. The Layer 4 was white, ashy and contained lot of ceramic assemblage; almost 45% of the total pottery recovered from layer 3 downwards was recovered from this layer. It was confined to the eastern half of the excavated area. It was abutting to the brown, clayey, cracky deposit which was confined to the western half. It constitutes burnt red horizontal patches and also a hearth (Fig. 3). It contained negligible amount of pottery. Layer 5 was a floor level, more prominently exposed in the southern and western section. Layer 6 was heterogeneous in nature; it was brown deposit with cracks and also embodied horizontal spread of white and black ashy lenses and patches. The Layer 7 was formed of burnt grass and straw, very light in weight and was devoid of cracks indicating very low amount of silt or clay. Layer 8 was homogeneous, brown, clayi deposit, devoid of cultural material, appears to be floor level of overlying Layer. Layer 9 was heterogeneous in nature, exhibited prominently burning activity all over trench. Layer 10 belongs to virgin level, on the surface of which first habitation appeared.

Ceramics Ceramic assemblage of Khopadi contained Black‐and‐Red Ware, Red slipped Ware, Micaceous Red Ware and Painted Black on Red Ware. The pottery of first two layers on account of disturbed nature has been excluded from detailed study. The increased amount of pottery in the depth from around 90 cm to 140 cm, which belongs to layer 4,

532 Pawar et al. 2014: 530‐544 can be seen in figure 4. It is 45%, of the total pottery that has been analyzed. The lower levels contained very small amount of pottery as it is evident from only 5% pottery recovered from last layer.

Figure 2: North Facing Section in Excavated Trench

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Figure 3: Hearth and Burnt Patches in Layer 3 of East Facing Section

1400

1200

1000

800 Total Pottey

600 Black‐and‐Red Red Slipped 400 Micaceous Red 200 Black on red 0 cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm

5 35 80 20 65 50 95 ‐ 140 185 245 125 170 230 110 155 215 200 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 0 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 30 75 15 60 45 90 135 180 240 120 165 225 105 150 195 210

Figure 4: Depth‐wise Quantitative Distribution of Total Amount of Pottery and all the Wares

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The layer‐wise quantitative analysis of all four wares in relation to each other reveals some important observations (Fig. 5). The Red slipped ware show decreasing trend, it was more than 65% in layer 9 and decreased to 40% in layer 4. The Micaceous ware although show uneven trend, there is steady increase in its quantity, it was less than 5% in layer 9 and appears to have increased upto more than 30% in layer 3. The Black‐ and‐Red ware and painted black on red ware show more or less stable trend.

80

70

60

50 % of Black‐and‐Red 40 % of Red Slipped

30 % of Micaceous Red % of Blck on red 20

10

0 123456789

Figure 5: Percentage of Different Wares in Relation to Each Other in the Layers from 9 to 3

Black and Red Ware This ware is thin in section represented by table vessels. The slip is glossy and devoid of cracks. Rim sherds are simple and in majority of instances has groove ring externally close to rim end. The ware is represented by 24.2% in the trench.

Red Slipped Ware Bowls, basins and globular pots are the main shapes occur in this ware. Fabric of this ware is medium to coarse and core is black. Slip contains fine particles of mica. Bowls and basins have smooth surface due to well polished slip on both sides. The bowls (Type 1) (Fig. 6) for all type numbers) have thin, convex or incurved sides with similar treatment. Another type which is saucer shaped (Type 2) bear smooth, bright, well polished surface and externally thick, undercut, triangular rim. The basins, which has mouth diameter greater than 20 cm, have thick and sturdy body, and smooth well polished slip on both sides (Type 3 and its varieties). It often bears soot patches on the surface. The sides are usually convex with externally bulbous, undercut and internally plain incurved rim. Globular pots, however, have mat surface with brick red slip. Concave neck feature is common with all type of associated rims. Rims on the basis of

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Figure 6: Red Slipped Ware (Type 1 to 7); Micaceous Red Ware (Type 8 to 11 and 12); Early Historic Red Slipped Ware (Type 13 and 14) morphological variations have been divided into four classes. (1) Elongated, slightly incurved, uniformly thick, simple round rim with concave neck (Type 4 and 4a). This type is associated with layer 9 and 8, it does not occur in above layers. (2) Short and

536 Pawar et al. 2014: 530‐544 thick rim with round top associated perpendicularly to short concave neck (Type 6). It was found in layers 9, 8, 7 and 6. (3) Short incurved, externally thickened round and internally channeled rim with angular inside upper rim edge associated perpendicularly to short concave neck (hooded) (Type 5). This type appears to be confined to layer 7 and 6. (4) Convex flared rim with round end, internally articulated by thick and undercut elaboration near top and plain externally (Type 7, 7a and 7b). This type with its various varieties was found in layer 6 and above.

Micaceous Red Ware Globular pots and basins were produced in this ware. The fabric of this ware is coarse, containing large flakes of mica and core is black. Basins have convex, flaring sides and thick flat pedestal base. Two types of rims occur associated with globular pots: (1) thick splayed out rim with constricted neck (Type 8) and (2) flaring rim with constricted neck which is a diagnostic type of Vidarbha Iron Age (Type 9). The first type was found in layers 9 to 6 and second in layers 6 and above.

Painted Black on Red Ware The total painted pot sherds are less than 2% of the total pottery at the site. The paintings are essentially in black on red slipped surface. In some instances the dry sherds appear painted in white but in wet condition these reveal black colour, thereupon has been put in same black on red category. Following are the different design forms (Fig. 7) observed in the entire ceramic assemblage recovered from the site.

• Group of seven or eight vertical strokes on external and internal surface of rims of different form of pots. • Vertical bands on internal surface of red slipped bowls. • Series of slanting bands internally all along rim on thick sturdy red slipped bowls. • Horizontally arranged and connected latticed diamonds bordered by multiple horizontal bands on red slipped globular pots. • Horizontal bands on external body surface of saucer shaped dish or lid. • Thick dots on internal surface of bowl. • Comb pattern slanting to right and connected to each other. • In some instances above patterns are bordered by horizontal bands. • Similar design but slanting to left with space between each comb design. • Mesh pattern along shoulder with irregular thickness of strokes and at bottom connected with slanting comb pattern on basins of red slipped ware. • Latticed diamond pattern of thick strokes all along external shoulder surface of red slipped basin.

Cultural Sequence On the basis of above mentioned ceramics, following three successive periods have been identified at the site.

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Figure 7: Different Designs on Painted Black on Red Ware

Period I: Pre‐Iron Age (Layer 6, 7, 8 and 9) Pre‐Iron Age has been identified on the basis of absence of iron in the lower layers. The rim shapes of pottery of this period also differ significantly from Iron Age pottery. The type 4, 5 and 6 are only available from these layers. The layer 8 and 9 are even devoid of flared rim of micaceous ware which is characteristic feature of Vidarbha Iron Age. Less than 5% micaceous ware in ninth layer is also significant as this ware appears predominantly during Iron Age.

Period II: Iron Age (Layer 3, 4 and 5) It is distinguishable from Period I, owing to occurrence of iron in layer 4 and 5 (two iron broken rod fragments and one broken chisel fragment). The rim type 4, 5 and 6 which are part of pre‐iron age level are totally absent in these layers. Type 7 and its varieties are more common during this period. Unlike other Iron Age sites beads are absent in the trench. Near absence of iron and total absence of beads is the interesting

538 Pawar et al. 2014: 530‐544 evidence. The possible explanation for this is chronological. The evidence from this trench probably represent earliest phase of Iron Age. There is continues occupation from Pre‐Iron Age to this period at the site. As a result iron was not yet common and bead making craftsmanship did not exist during this period.

Period III: Early Historic (Layer 1 and 2 ‐ Disturbed Layers) The Early Historic pottery is meagerly represented in the excavated trench which makes it difficult to put it to specific time bracket (Type 13 and 14).

Comparative Ceramic Analysis Ceramic assemblage yielded from the excavation has also been examined in comparison to available published data from the sites such as Takalghat‐Khapa (Deo, 1970), Naikund (Deo and Jamkhedkar, 1982), Paunar (Deo and Dhavalikar, 1968), Raipur (Deglurkar and Lad, 1992), Bhagimohari (Vaidya, 2014) and Mahurjhari (Deo, 1973). The comparative studies have been useful in determining Early and Pre Iron Age phases of Vidarbha.

The type 3 and 4 of red slipped ware which are specifically associated with the layers 7 and 6 has its parallel with type 3 and its varieties at Paunar, ascribed to Period I, antedate to introduction of iron. The painted design forms of group of vertical strokes on rim, connected latticed pattern bordered by horizontal bands and two types of comb patterns (design pattern 8 and 9) are also common at Paunar. At Takalghat megalithic period has been divided into Period IA, IB and IC. The type 5 of red slipped ware which is common in layer 6 and above at Khopadi is reported at the Takalghat (Type 13 and 14) to Period IA. This type also occurs at Naikund in micaceous red ware, during all three phases. Group of vertical strokes on rim, connected latticed diamond pattern and connected comb patterns are common at both the above sites.

The significant feature of rims of globular pot at Khopadi is that it does not show any additional feature externally. The thickened undercut feature is from inside. And same is observed at Paunar (Period I), Takalghat (Phase IA) and overall pottery assemblage of Naikund irrespective of the wares to which it belong. These all show some common painted design forms. However, Phase IB and IC at Takalghat bear mixed pottery types, along with type 7 and its varieties of Khopadi it also yielded types having additional external feature. The Iron Age pottery of Kaundinyapur (Dikshit, 1968), Megalithic habitation site of Bhagimohri and burial sites of Mahurjhari and Raipur, however, are devoid of type 7 of Khopadi and contain types which has additional external feature. Thus there seem to be gradual change in rim morphology of globular pots in three stages. This is also useful to devoid Vidarbha Iron Age/Megalithic period, which was until now treated as homogeneous identity, into three distinct phases.

Phase I: Containing flaring convex rims with thickened undercut feature internally and plain externally of globular pots in micaceous or mat red ware. This phase is represented at Takalghat (Phase IA) and Naikund.

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Phase II: This phase contain rims similar to above but also represent new types which has additional feature externally. This phase is represented at Takalghat (Phase IB and IC).

Phase III: In this phase the types of phase I are absent and new types introduced during phase II continue. This phase is represented at Kaundinyapur, Bhagimohari, Mahurjhari and Raipur.

The Khopadi belongs to Phase I. Interestingly at other two sites, Takalghat and Naikund, which belong to same phase, micaceous ware is a dominant ware. But, at Khopadi as it is become clear from above Graph 2 that red slipped ware is higher in proportion to micaceous ware except in layer 4. The average occurrence of this ware at the site is 29.9% while of red slipped ware is 44.3%. The proportion of micaceous ware appears gradually increased at Khopadi from only 3.8% in lowest layer to 32.6% in third layer. Mica is abundantly available locally at Khopadi, but still it has not been used prolifically in pottery. Therefore, the increasing trend of micaceous red ware is significant and probably it has chronological implications. It is possible that in a period later than Khopadi this ware became more popular in Vidarbha. If it is so then within Phase I of Iron Age, Khopadi represent earliest phase after which micaceous ware became popular as represented at Takalghat and Naikund. The absolutely different rim types of globular pots of red slipped ware and total absent of flaring or funnel shaped rims of micaceous ware in lowest 9 and 8 layers of the site clearly points to the totally different phase which is earlier than Takalghat (Phase IA), Naikund and even Paunar. As discussed earlier, layer 7 and 6 are parallel to Paunar. The absence of iron in the layers lower than 6 and the occurrence of rims distinct from so far reported rims of globular pots from Iron Age sites of the region are useful to determine Pre‐iron age period for these layers. The continuous habitation and gradual change in rim types of red slipped globular pots indicate above layers belong to immediate succeeding period. This also support to our assumption that Iron bearing levels, layers 6 and above belong to beginning of Phase I of Iron Age.

Antiquities Beads and figurines made out of any kind of material are totally absent at the site. The metal objects contain only two broken iron rod and broken part of chisel from same level of 1 to 1.25 m (Fig. 8). Among the stone antiquities, a pounder made in Biotite Mica Schist, which is not locally available at the site, with polished surface, elongated rectangular body and bi‐cone section was recovered from upper horizon of the trench (Fig. 9). An interesting borer stone made out of Orthoclase/Potash feldspar is unique finding from the Early Iron Age layer at the site (Fig. 10). These findings exhibit very distinct nature of the site.

Archaeo‐zoological Findings The faunal remains recovered from the site revealed the presence of a number of species. These include both domestic and wild mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Cattle

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Figure 8: Iron Objects Found in Figure 9: Stone Pounders made of Biotite Excavation Mica Schist

Figure 10: Borer Stone with Eye Shape Hole in the Centre

(Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Cara hircus), pig (Sus domesticus) and dog (Canis familiaris) are the domestic mammals which have been identified at the site. The wild mammals identified at the site include deer ‐sambar (Cervus unicolor) and spotted deer (Axis axis), blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and wild pig (Sus scrofa). Some bones of rodents have also made their presence felt in the assemblage. However, these have not been identified up to the species level. A bone of a large felidae has also been recovered. It was found difficult to identify the bones of birds, reptiles and fish up to species level and these have been recorded as general bird, reptile and fish only. Proper identification up to taxonomical level will be done in future.

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Archaeo‐botanical Findings Through flotation technique, good quantities of palaeobotanical samples have been collected. The preliminary report gave a fair idea of the agricultural practices during Early Iron Age Period. The plant species identified were mainly cereals, pulses, and fruits. The palaeobotanical evidences are of Rice: Oryza sativa L. (Four Morphotypes), Moong Bean: Vigna radiata (L.) Wilcz., Ber: Ziziphus jujuba Mill. and Jharberi: Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) W. & A.

Concluding Remarks Excavation at Khopadi has been very fruitful to understand chronological sequence from Pre‐Iron Age to Iron Age of the site. Due to the lack of published reports and unavailability of excavation material for research, it was difficult to understand the nature of Vidarbha Chalcolithic Culture. Origin and development of Megalithism is still in fallacy for many researchers. The site in this regard bears significant evidence in terms of ceramic assemblage. Continuity in the habitation at present excavated site suggests the significance of this site and indicates the possibility of its relation to the surrounding sites like Adam, Pachkheri and Mandhal. However, 14C dates will help to stand out these statements and clear the picture of Pre‐Iron Age period. Large scale excavation in near future at this site would be helpful for getting the clear picture of social and behavioral system of Pre‐Iron Age culture of Vidarbha region.

Acknowledgements We are sincerely thankful to the authorities of Archaeological Survey of India and Deccan College P.G.R.I. for providing us the permission for excavation at this site. We are welcoming the hard work shown by Dr. Pankaj Goyal, who has given brief report within short period of time on animal bones recovered from the site. We are very much grateful to the Trustees and staff of Indirabai Bhoasale Mahavidyalaya, Kuhi for their all kind of co‐operation during the entire field work. We are also thankful to Mr. Sudam Yelane for giving us permission to excavate in his personal land. We are heartily beholden by the helping nature and financial assistance of Dr. Manohar Naranje, Mr. Roheet Karoo and Mr. Nitin Rahate. Mr. Dipak Kene and his family deserve special thanks for their active participation and homely treatment given to us at the time of field work. Without all of these people, perhaps this excavation could not be fruitful.

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