INDIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

"Conserving Heritage by Recording Faithfully"

An E-Journal

INDIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Vol-10 Number- 2 April 2025
Chief Editor: Vijay Kumar
Publisher: National Trust for Promotion of Knowledge, Lucknow
Mode of Publication: Online (e-Journal)

1. Hoard of Bangles Associated with OCP Culture/Copper Hoard Culture

Author: Vijay Kumar and Amit Rai Jain

This article by Vijay Kumar (Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Archaeology) and Amit Rai Jain (Director, Shahjad Rai Research Institute, Baraut, District – Baghpat, U.P.) is a hoard of 282 copper rings was found from Gohana district Sonipat, Haryana and is presently kept in Shahjad Rai Research Institute, Baraut, district Baghpat, U.P. This hoard had 13 bunches of rings and 18 loose rings. These types of rings are associated with OCP culture. Earlier such rings have been found from different OCP sites. Generally, their sizes are that of bangles. Till now these were considered to be bangles kept in lot probably to be sold to different individuals. The frequency distribution bar chart of all the rings reveals that the weights of bangles are in the multiples of the traditional unit of weight namely tola (Kārṣa) which is equivalent to 11.66 gram. This unit of weight gave the name to the ancient currency of India namely Kārṣāpaṇa.

2. Burzahom: Echoes of Neolithic Culture in the Heart of the Himalayas

Author: Farhat Yasmeen and Abdul Rashid Lone

This article by Farhat Yasmeen (Lecturer, Higher Education Department, J & K Govt.) and Abdul Rashid Lone (Sr. Assistant Professor, Department of History, University of Kashmir) is Delve into the geological and archaeological treasures of the Kashmir Valley with a focus on the Neolithic site of Burzahom. This article unveils the significance of Pleistocene loess deposits, Karewa Lake's formation, and climatic shifts, providing a unique window into terrestrial palaeo-environmental changes. The narrative unfolds the story of cultural evolution of Burzahom across Neolithic periods, revealing distinctive dwelling practices, burial rituals, and a remarkable stone slab depicting ancient hunting scenes. As we journey through this exploration, the article encapsulates the essence of Kashmir's prehistoric heritage, blending geological insights with the rich tapestry of Neolithic life beneath the majestic peaks of the Western Himalayas.

3. Catalogue of Silver Punch marked Coins and Uninscribed Copper Cast Coins kept in the collection of Sanjai Agarwal, Bareilly U.P.

Author: Vijay Kumar (Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Archaeology) and Sanjai Agarwal

This article by Vijay Kumar (Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Archaeology) and Sanjai Agarwal (Bareilly) is the catalogue of 31 large and small punch marked Panchal coins and 19 Uninscribed Copper Cast Coins (UCCC) found from Panchal area presently kept in the collection of Sanjai Agarwal, Bareilly. The punch-marked coins of this collection are of early phase from 600BC to 400 BC. The Uninscribed Copper Cast Coins of this collection can be placed in the time period 2nd Century BC to 1st Century BC.

4. Some Seals & Sealings kept in the Collection of Sanjai Agarwal district Bareilly U.P. and Government Museum Mathura district Mathura U.P.

Author: Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan and Sanjai Agarwal

This article by Vijay Kumar (Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Archaeology), Alok Ranjan and Sanjai Agarwal (Bareilly) is the catalogue of 66 seals & sealing’s kept in the Collection of Sanjai Agarwal district Bareilly U.P. and 9 seals & sealing’s kept in Government Museum Mathura district Mathura U.P. We are able to identify. The sealing’s mention the offices of Bhukti, Vishayas, Gramas, Śulkādhikāraṇa and Daṇḍanāyak. There are two sealings of Vangapal the king of Panchal and a Magha king of Kaushambi in the collection. A Kushan coin mould recovered from Ahichchhatra area indicates the extent of Kushan Empire. There are few Buddhist sealings including one belonging to Nālandā Mahāvihār Arya Bhikṣu Saṅgha.

5. Architectural Evolution and Religious Syncretism: The Influence of Sufism on the Built Heritage of Kashmir

Author: Farhat Yasmeen (Lecturer, Higher Education Department, J & K Govt.)

This article by Farhat Yasmeen (Lecturer, Higher Education Department, J & K Govt.) is based on Islam which entered the Kashmir Valley in the 12th century CE through the peaceful teachings of Sufi saints, fostering religious tolerance and interaction among Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, which led to the development of a unique Sufi tradition known as Rishism. This tradition, epitomized by the revered Sheikh Nuru’d-Din Wali, significantly influenced Kashmiri spirituality. The advent of Islam also marked a transformative period in Kashmiri architecture, shifting from Hindu-Buddhist stone structures to wooden constructions. Prominent examples include Shah Hamadan's Mosque, Charar-i Sharief, and Aishmuqam Mosque, characterized by simple structural methods, intricate woodwork, and distinctive architectural elements like pyramidal roofs and slender spires. This architectural evolution, supported by rulers like Sultan Zain ul Abidin, blended local and Islamic styles, creating a rich and unique architectural heritage in Kashmir.

6. Examination of Buddhist inscriptions in the light of its archaeological context from Sītāgārha (2019-20), District Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

Author: Dr. Rajendra Dehuri and Dr. S. Krishnamurthy

This article by Dr. Rajendra Dehuri (Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Guwahati) and Dr. S. Krishnamurthy (Asst. Epigraphist, O/o the Director (Epigraphy), Archaeological Survey of India, Mysore) is based on the study of 22 inscriptions engraved on the pedestal of Buddhist images and 01 fragmentary stone plaque that were retrieved during the course of excavation at the ancient site of Sītāgārha (season 2019-20), Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. In this paper, an attempt is made to understand the patrons who are responsible for the donation of the Buddhist images, with the help of inscriptions engraved on them. The study of palaeography of the inscriptions also helped in absolute dating of the structures in which the sculptures are found and it’s associated finds. Details of the locality of the site, previous researches, output of archaeological excavation is also briefed for better understanding of the archaeological context of the sculptural remains and the inscriptions engraved thereon.

7. Documentation of Lesser Known Shiva Temple of Village Jamuniya District Katni, Madhya Pradesh

Author: Shivam Dubey and Tamanna Mishra

This article by Shivam Dubey (Archaeological Survey of India, Jabalpur Circle) and Tamanna Mishra (Master’s in AIHC & A MSU, Baroda) is about Katni district is home to numerous significant heritage sites that effectively portray the evolution of art and architecture in central India. Spanning from the Gupta period temples to the Kalachuris and the artistic expressions of the Gond era, the district showcases a continuous progression and transformation in these domains. Among these influences, the Kalachuris of Tripuri have had the most profound impact in the region, and their artistic contributions continue to be subjects of extensive study. In our prior research, conducted alongside my co-author, we had the opportunity to study a temple located in the village of Jamuniya. This temple, adorned with magnificent art pieces and architectural fragments, holds immense significance in the visual history of the Kalachuris. The primary objective of this paper is to thoroughly document the art pieces found during our exploration of this temple.

8. Understanding the Traditional Socio-Cultural aspect of Manipuri Women in Tripura: Analytical Approach on Gender

Author: y Asem Bidhyaleima Chanu and Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh

This article by Asem Bidhyaleima Chanu (Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Manipur University) and Prof. Oinam Ranjit Singh (Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Manipur University) is about Manipur and Tripura which have maintained close relationship since ancient times moulded by various interaction such as warfare, diplomacy and trade. This paper explores the historical and socio-cultural roles of Manipuri (Meitei) women within the context of Tripura by focusing on their contributions, identity preservation and adaptive strategies amidst a multi-ethnic environment. Tracing their historical migration and settlement in Tripura from the 18th century onwards, this paper aimed to highlights how Manipuri (Meitei) women have served as key cultural carriers, particularly through their involvement in traditional practices such as weaving, religious rituals and community-based festivals. With the influence of Manipuri women in Tripura, the cultural traditions of Manipuri like folk music, religious rites and traditional Manipuri dance forms like Ras Lila have become popular in Tripura. They contributed significantly to the local economy through textile industry and entrepreneurship also while being involved in grassroots leadership and community organization. By examining multi-disciplinary sources, this paper delves into how Meitei women maintained their distinctive cultural identity while simultaneously engaging with the socio cultural dynamics of Tripura.