Vol-8 Number-2 April 2023
Chief Editor: Vijay Kumar
Publisher: National Trust for Promotion of Knowledge, Lucknow
Mode of Publication: Online (e-Journal)
This article by Dr. Salim Ansari presents a detailed architectural study of the Fatehpuri Begum Mosque, located south of the western gate of the Taj Mahal complex in Agra. Believed to have been constructed around 1650 51 A.D., the mosque is named after Fatehpuri Begum, a wife of Emperor Shahjahan and a descendant of Shaikh Salim Chishti of Fatehpur Sikri. The identification of the mosque is supported by early site plans, including one prepared by Thomas and William Daniell in 1789 and published in 1801, now preserved in the Taj Museum. In addition to analyzing these historical records, the author provides new elevation plans and photographic documentation. The study emphasizes the distinctive architectural features that set this mosque apart from others of the same period, offering valuable insights into Mughal-era mosque architecture and lesser-known structures associated with the Taj Mahal complex.
This article by Vijay Kumar and Anand Kumar Singh presents a comprehensive catalogue of 659 gold coins housed in the State Museum, Lucknow (U.P.), spanning a historical timeline from the late 12th century to the early 20th century A.D. The collection includes 170 coins from the Sultanate period, 444 from the Mughal era, 14 coins of the Awadh period, 22 British coins, and 25 modern coins. This numismatic documentation offers valuable insights into the monetary systems, economic history, and artistic evolution of coinage in India over several centuries. The catalogue serves as an important resource for scholars studying South Asian monetary history, dynastic transitions, and minting practices.
This article by Sanjay S examines the evolution of bronze sculpture in South India, with a focus on Chola-period bronze icons specifically, seven bronze images of the goddess Kali housed in the Government Museum, Chennai. While the tradition of metal image-making in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, it reached its artistic zenith during the Chola dynasty, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The article critiques earlier stylistic and iconographic classifications of these bronzes by prominent scholars such as Sivaramamurti, R. Nagaswamy, and P. Thomas, arguing that their interpretations are often subjective and inconsistent. By closely analyzing the stylistic elements, iconographic details, and craftsmanship of the selected Kali images, the study seeks to re-evaluate existing classifications and contribute to a more refined understanding of Chola bronze art and its historical dating.
This study by Dr. S. M. Ramasamy, Dr. J. Saravanavel, and Dr. C. J. Kumanan investigates submerged archaeological features off the coast of Poompuhar, an ancient port city in Tamil Nadu, using Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) technology. The offshore survey, conducted in the 5to50 km zone, employed shaded relief mapping to identify seven underwater features resembling cairn mounds and cairn circles located approximately 30to40 km from the modern shoreline. These findings suggest the presence of burial structures and provide strong evidence pointing toward the existence of ancient settlements or a possible submerged civilization in the Bay of Bengal, supporting historical accounts of land subsidence and coastal submergence in the region.
This article by Ravindra Nath Singh presents a brief excavation report of the Parasuram-ka-khera mound at Alamgirpur village, located in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. The site, originally excavated in 1958 and 1959, has yielded a rich cultural sequence spanning from the Harappan period to the Late Medieval period. The stratigraphy includes: Period I A (Harappan), Period I B (Harappan-PGW overlap), Period II (Painted Grey Ware culture), Period III (Early Historical period), and Period IV (Late Medieval period). The earliest calibrated AMS dates from the site range between 2274 B.C. and 2021 B.C., though the author proposes a broader estimate of 2600 2200 B.C. for the Harappan phase. The article details key antiquities discovered from each layer, contributing to the understanding of cultural continuity, transitions, and regional characteristics of the upper Ganga-Yamuna Doab.
This article by Vijay Kumar explores the discovery of a unique copper hoard harpoon featuring a two-headed horned deity from Nigohi, Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh. It marks the first instance of a deity’s face appearing on copper hoard artifacts, which typically consist of weapons or tools. The presence of anthropomorphic figures, often lacking practical utility, alongside weapons suggests a symbolic or ritual significance. These figures have previously been linked to Skanda Kartikeya and Garuda. The current artifact’s horned imagery commonly associated with divine figures in multiple ancient cultures has led to its identification as a representation of proto-Shiva or Pashupati, an early form of the Hindu god Shiva. This interpretation expands our understanding of early religious iconography and symbolic expression in the context of the Copper Hoard culture.
This research by Dr. Sudam Jhankar presents the results of systematic field investigations in the Khadga River Valley, located in the northwestern Kandhamal and southeastern Balangir districts of Odisha. The study identifies 21 prehistoric sites in both primary and semi-primary contexts, where artifacts were recovered from varying elevations, suggesting seasonal patterns of occupation. The presence of abundant raw materials along the riverbank played a significant role in attracting microlith-using prehistoric communities. The lithic assemblages from these sites reflect a rich diversity in tool types and materials. The valley’s diverse geomorphological features including riverbanks, foothills, and rocky outcrops offer crucial evidence for understanding human adaptation and settlement patterns from the Pleistocene to the Holocene epochs. This study contributes significantly to the prehistoric archaeology of Odisha and broadens the scope for future exploration in the region.
This article by Muntazir Ali focuses on two Persian epigraphs found at Bahadurgarh Fort, located in Samana Tehsil, Patiala District, Punjab, historically known as Saif Abad after its founder Nawab Saif Khan, a noble during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. The inscriptions are located on the inner gate facade and at the mosque within the fort complex. Both are metrical inscriptions, commemorating the construction of the fort and the mosque. The article presents a detailed analysis of the texts, their historical context, and architectural relevance, offering insights into late Mughal-era Persian epigraphy and the legacy of regional nobility in Mughal India.
This article by Muntazir Ali explores the Perso-Arabic seals used during the reign of Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar (1556 1605 AD), emphasizing their role as vital instruments for authenticating documents and correspondence. More authoritative than signatures, seals conveyed the consent and authority of individuals, officials, or institutions. The study highlights how seal owners sought to create distinct and meaningful designs, resulting in numerous stylistic variations. The article focuses on several significant seals from Akbar’s court, analyzing their artistic features, linguistic elements, and symbolic importance, which reflect the political ideology and administrative sophistication of the Mughal era.
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