INDIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Vol- 9 Number-2 April 2024

Chief Editor: Vijay Kumar

Publisher: National Trust for Promotion of Knowledge, Lucknow

Mode of Publication: Online (e-Journal)

1. Introducing Kasohal: A Newly Discovered Paleolithic Site in the Siwalik Frontal Range, Himachal Pradesh, India

Author: Worrel Kumar Bain & Dwipen Bezbaruah

This article by Worrel Kumar Bain & Dwipen Bezbaruah is about the Indian Siwalik Hills which is well
known throughout the Indian Subcontinent for producing abundant implimentiferous and
fossiliferous sites. Acheulean and Soanian are the most prevalent Paleolithic technologies in this region,
with Acheulean being less common than Soanian. In the absence of absolute dates, lithic technology
has been used to define the relative chrono-cultural affinities of Paleolithic sites. Recent fieldwork in
the Siwalik Frontal Range of Himachal Pradesh led to the discovery and study of Kasohal and the
documentation of lithic assemblage variability, typo-technological traits, and raw material utilization.
To better understand the dimensional variances, the lithic data from the site was compared to that of
other lithic sites in the Indian Siwalik Hills. The study also focuses on local geology and
geomorphology.

2. A Preliminary Discovery of Rock Art & Archaeological sites in Gurh Tehsil of Rewa District, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Author: Manish Sen, Aniruddh Bahuguna, Asif Rashid Raina & Mohd Zakir Khan

The present research by Manish Sen, Aniruddh Bahuguna, Asif Rashid Raina & Mohd Zakir Khan is based on the field-explorations to discover new rock-shelters which are located in and around Gurh tehsil. The discovered rock-art sites located on the bank of Bichia-river and not far from the village Jarah Khatna. During the survey authors found 10 rock art site associated with Microliths and two historical cave sites Durmandas and Mahadevan cave temple of Khaira village in Mauganj tehsil. Authors also discovered Megalithic burial site, which belongs to iron-age. This area has tremendous archaeological potential. The paper not only discuss Mesolithic rock-shelters but also discusses about historical continuity of those rock paintings on the bases of petroglyphs found from Machwa cave. It also focuses on the study of Kol and Gond tribes.

3. Recent Archaeological Investigations of Patan, Dist. Durg, Chhattisgarh (Special Reference to Excavations at Tarighat and Jamraon)

Author: Atula Kumar Pradhan

This article by Atula Kumar Pradhan is about exploration in the Patan in Durg district of Chhattisgarh
state which is a small town located on the left bank of river Kharun. The recent archaeological
investigation of Patan revealed early historical sites, medieval settlements, temple remains and
sculptural master pieces. The important sites are Tarighat, Jamraon, Pandar, Kahui, Dih, Khorpa,
Sonpur, Tulasi, Khudmudi, Ufra, Bathena,Kesara, Pahanda Kumhali and Godhiyari etc. The
excavations at Tarighat, Jamraon and explorations revealed many new aspects of history

4. Gold Coins of different period kept in Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj U.P. India useum, Prayagraj U.P. India

Author: Vijay Kumar, Dr. Onkar Wankhede & Mr. Sunil Gupta

This article by Vijay Kumar, Dr. Onkar Wankhede & Mr. Sunil Gupta is the catalogue of 237 gold coins kept in Allahabad Museum district Prayagraj U.P. It contains 11 coins of 1st century A.D., 8 coins of 2nd century A.D., 10 coins of 3rd century A.D., 66 coins of 4th century A.D., 03 coins of 5th-6th century A.D., 02 coins of 6th century A.D., 01 coin of 7th century A.D., 02 coins of 8th century A.D., 03 coins of 10th-11th century A.D., 51 coins of 11th century A.D., 41 coins of 12th century A.D., 03 coins of 12th-13th century A.D., 03 coins of 13th century A.D., 01 coin of 13th-14th century A.D., 01 coin of 14th-15th century A.D., 06 coins of 15th century A.D., 01 coin of 15th-16th century A.D., 05 coins of 16th century A.D., 07 coins of 17th century A.D., 01 coin of 17th-18th century A.D., 05 coins of 18th century A.D. and 06 coins of 19th century A.D.

5. Antiquities of Khambhaur Taal, Kalinjar Fort Kalinjar district Banda U.P.

Author: Vijay Kumar

This article by Vijay Kumar gives the details of the antiquities of Khambhaur Taal, Kalinjar Fort Kalinjar district Banda U.P. The making of stone masonry, structures and rock cut sculptures & structures start from 5th-6th century A.D. at this site. It contains fine examples of Ekmukhi Shivalingas of that period. In 6th-7th century A.D., the Khambhaur caves & dwellings for Shaiva ascetics were made. There is an inscription of Vasant of that period. In 12th-13th century A.D., a Shila Vata i.e. Banyan tree growing on a rock was held sacred and inscriptions dedicated to it are found in the cave. After 13th century A.D., a few sculptures were added but no significant construction activities are visible. The flat area north of the water body still has a kiosk of 18th-19th century A.D. standing beside the foundations of a larger building.

6. Sun Worship in the Sutlej Valley: A Study of Sculptures in Karsog Region of Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh

Author: Mrs. Nisha Kumari

This article by Mrs. Nisha Kumari gives the details of Sun images found in Sutlej valley in Karsog Region of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The Sun images of this area were made in Northern Indian style but these also have certain elements of the style of north-western India. Some sculptures show Kushan like features like sitting posture, Scythian caps of attendants of the God, Armor, Shoes, Dagger suspended from waist belt etc. These features disappears after 9th century A.D. and Pratihar period images are made purely in north Indian style.

7. The Evolution of Indo-Islamic Architecture: Synthesizing Timurid and Safavid Architecture in Mughal India

Author: Asif Ali & Mohammad Saquib

This article by Asif Ali & Mohammad Saquib explores long-standing relations with Central Asia and Persia facilitated cultural and religious exchanges through Central Asian Trade Route, which has been renowned for exchanging silk, textiles, and spices since ancient times. This route also facilitated the transmission of cultures and religions, such as Buddhism and Islam, between India, Central Asia, and China. Following the Islamic and Arab invasions of Central Asia, a distinct Turco-Islamic culture and architecture emerged in the region. The Timurid Empire (early 15th century) in Central Asia and the Safavid dynasty (1501-1736 AD) in Persia flourished and significantly influenced medieval Indian culture, art, and architecture. This paper investigates the impact of both cultures on Mughal architecture in medieval India. It also demonstrates how the Mughals synthesized Timurid and Safavid traditions with Indian Architectural practices to evolve into a unique style called Indo-Islamic Architecture. The study concludes that while Mughals were contemporary to the Safavids, Mughal architecture drew more heavily on its Timurid heritage.

8. The Tai Buddhist Illustrated Manuscripts of Assam sizing Timurid and Safavid Architecture in Mughal India

Author: Ajanta Das

This article by Ajanta Das is about the manuscripts kept in Vihāras of Tai Buddhist community of Assam, India. Tai Buddhist community gave the long & successful dynasty to Assam which survive for 600 years. There is a tradition of ritualistic donations of hand written religious texts to the local Buddhist Vihāra in the community. These donations act as record of events while carrying forward religious & philosophical teachings to the future generations. Illustrated Tai Buddhist manuscripts were made in Assam on handmade paper. Later on, these were written on factory-made paper. There is a tradition of burying these manuscripts under a newly raised votive stupa, when these become old.

9. The facets of the traditional knowledge of the Meiteis on the agricultural tools and techniques in shaping the social economy of Manipur in the past

Author: Soibam Athoiba Singh & Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh

This article by Soibam Athoiba Singh & Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh is about the traditional tools of the Meiteis manufactured by local artisans. These are economical in terms of labour, money and time besides being environmentally sustainable. Most of these tools have been in use since antiquity with little or no change. The uses and descriptions of different agricultural tools along with the historical and socio-cultural importance of some of these have been discussed in this paper. Imphal valley of Manipur, inhabited mainly by the Meiteis, was marshy land and thus the introduction and development of agriculture in such an environment might have been a great challenge to the people. Their persistent endeavors to drain the marshes and reclaim new lands for cultivation facilitated the practice of extensive agriculture in Manipur though the tribes settled in the surrounding hills continued with shifting cultivation. Certain efforts are necessary to document and preserve the traditional agricultural tools and technology which are on the verge of extinction. Present study is an attempt to document these implements used by the Meitei community in their agricultural operations.

10. A Critical Review on the Socio-Cultural Religious Belief of the Meitei: A Study on the Lois of Thanga in Manipur

Author: Moirangthem Lokeshwar Singh & Prof. Senjam Mangi Singh

This article by Moirangthem Lokeshwar Singh & Prof. Senjam Mangi Singh gives the socio-cultural religious beliefs of the Meteis including the Lois of Thanga. The Manipuris especially the Meitei have a long history of civilization in which prehistory and historical sources are good evidence for the well established socio-cultural religious beliefs and norms in the social system. These rules are still found in continuance especially in the marriage system, etc. No doubt the Lois of the Thanga being a Meitei community have been practicing the socio-cultural practices & religion of their ancestors. An attempt has been made, to do the reassessment of the socio-cultural religious beliefs of different ethnic groups of Manipur.