Seals & Sealings kept in Allahabad Museum, district Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh Author: Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan & Onkar A. WankhedeAbstract: This article by Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan & Onkar A. Wankhede is the catalogue of Seals and Sealings kept at Allahabad Museum district Prayagraj U.P. This collection consists of 701 seals & sealings. The use of seal & sealings start from 3rd century B.C. and continues up to 18th century A.D. The sealings belonging to the period 3rd century B.C. to 1st century B.C. are in Prakrit language and mostly bear names of the persons. The use of Sanskrit language starts in 1st century A.D. The use of Sanskrit governed by Panini’s grammar starts in 4th century A.D. The 1st century A.D. saw the use of Buddhist symbols and terms in Shaivaites seals. 4th century A.D. saw the use of Buddhist imagery by Vaishnavites. The 10th century A.D., saw the assimilation between Shaiva, Shakta and Vaishnava traditions. This collection also houses a large number of royal seals and sealings of Ayodhya and Kaushambi rulers. Summary: The article by Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan, and Onkar A. Wankhede catalogs 701 seals and sealings housed at the Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Spanning a broad chronological range from the 3rd century B.C. to the 18th century A.D., the collection reflects the evolution of language, religious symbolism, and political authority. Early sealings (3rd–1st century B.C.) are inscribed in Prakrit, primarily bearing personal names. From the 1st century A.D., Sanskrit appears, with grammar influenced by Pāṇini becoming standard by the 4th century A.D. Notably, there is evidence of religious syncretism: Buddhist symbols in Shaiva seals in the 1st century A.D., and Vaishnavite use of Buddhist imagery in the 4th century. By the 10th century, Shaiva, Shakta, and Vaishnava traditions show assimilation. The collection also features numerous royal sealings from Ayodhya and Kaushambi rulers. Keywords:Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj, seals and sealings, Prakrit, Sanskrit, Panini, Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakta, Buddhist imagery, Ayodhya, Kaushambi, religious syncretism, royal seals.

Catalogue of Two Hoards of Punch-marked Coins from Rajgir and A collection of Bent Bar Coins Author: Prashant Srivastava & Amit JainAbstract: This article by Prashant Srivastava and Amit Jain is the catalogue of coins belonging to two hoards and a collection of bent bar coins. Two hoards are from Rajgir and one collection is from north-west South Asia. The first hoard consists of 22 punch-marked coins, and the second hoard comprises 71 punch-marked coins. The third collection has 23 bent bars coins. All these 116 coins are in silver. A remarkable feature of some coins of the second hoard is the presence of a multitude of symbols on the reverse, without any appreciable loss in weight. This would go contrary to the view of D Kosambi, that the number of symbols on the reverse of punch-marked coins is inversely proportional to its weight. Summary: The article by Prashant Srivastava and Amit Jain provides a catalogue of 116 silver coins comprising two hoards and a separate collection of bent bar coins. The first and second hoards, both from Rajgir, contain 22 and 71 punch-marked coins respectively, while the third collection includes 23 bent bar coins from north-west South Asia. A notable feature of some coins in the second hoard is the unusually high number of symbols on the reverse, yet with no significant reduction in weight—challenging D. Kosambi’s theory that an inverse relationship exists between the number of reverse symbols and coin weight. Keywords:Punch-marked coins, bent bar coins, Rajgir hoards, north-west South Asia, silver coins, numismatics, D. Kosambi, coin weight, symbol count, ancient coinage.

Copper Hoard weapons and tools kept at Shahjad Rai Research Institute, Baraut district Baghpat U.P. Author: Amit JainAbstract: This article by Amit Jain gives the twenty-six copper hoard weapons and new implements acquired by Shahjad Rai Research Institute, Baraut district Baghpat U.P. It includes anthropomorphic figures, antennae swords, harpoons, battle-axes, axes and spear heads from district Alwar Rajasthan, district Ludhiana Punjab, district Bareilly U.P., district Moradabad U.P and Naraura district Bulandshahar U.P. Summary: The article by Amit Jain documents twenty-six copper hoard weapons and newly acquired implements by the Shahjad Rai Research Institute, located in Baraut, District Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The collection includes anthropomorphic figures, antennae swords, harpoons, battle-axes, axes, and spearheads sourced from various regions—namely Alwar (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Bareilly and Moradabad (U.P.), and Naraura (Bulandshahar, U.P.). This addition enriches the existing corpus of Copper Hoard Culture artefacts from northern India. Keywords:Copper hoard, Shahjad Rai Research Institute, antennae swords, anthropomorphic figures, harpoons, battle-axes, spearheads, Baraut, Baghpat, Copper Hoard Culture.

Speaking Stones in God’s Own Attappady: A study on the belief systems and Memorial stones of Irula tribe of Kerela Author: Manjusha. K. A & Prof. Bipin Kishore JojoAbstract: This article by Manjusha. K. A & Prof. Bipin Kishore Jojo says that Archaeology is the study of antiquities, which deals with man’s material relics and seeks to incorporate them into time and space symbolically. As a result, it should include all peoples and all facets of human life on the planet of which historians have revealed very little. This research article stems from rigorous field work done in the Attappady tribal area of Palakkad District, Kerala. The research was conducted among the Irula Tribes. Multiple methods were adopted for the smooth conduct of the study. To support the archaeological evidence, Sangham literature was used as a conceptual context. The relationship between the monuments and the landscape is often considered in order to highlight symbolic significance of the monument. The evidence of ancestor worship by Irulas of Attappady is evident in this article. It demonstrates that the megalithic hero stones/memorial stones are their sole object of worship. It strongly implies that there existed very rich cultures with actual connections to the relics of Keezhadi Tamil Nadu and a similar Iron Age culture. Summary: The article by Manjusha K. A. and Prof. Bipin Kishore Jojo presents a study based on extensive fieldwork among the Irula tribes of the Attappady region in Palakkad District, Kerala. It explores the symbolic and cultural significance of megalithic hero stones or memorial stones, which serve as the primary objects of ancestor worship for the Irulas. Utilizing archaeological evidence alongside conceptual insights from Sangham literature, the research underscores the deep connections between monuments and their landscapes. The study suggests a continuity of cultural practices linking the Irulas with Iron Age traditions, including potential ties to the relics of Keezhadi in Tamil Nadu. Keywords:Irula tribe, Attappady, Palakkad, megalithic culture, hero stones, ancestor worship, Sangham literature, Keezhadi, Iron Age, symbolic landscape, tribal archaeology.

Mollusks in the pre-historic environment of Getahovit-2 cave, An Archaeological site in Armenia Author: Zarikian, N, Harutunova, L & I. KalantarianAbstract: This study by Zarikian, N, Harutunova, L & I. Kalantarian presents the information offered to archaeologists by the study of mollusk remains from Getahovit-2 cave, that provides good opportunities for investigations into the use of mollusks by prehistoric humans. The systematic excavations at Getahovit-2 cave during the 2014 and 2018 season yielded 746 shells of 13 identified species. This study assists archaeologists in recognizing the role of mollusks in cultural against natural environmental settings. The archaeological and zoological evidence suggests that these were not necessarily brought in by humans and their occurrence in large numbers indicates a very short human occupation of the cave. Summary: The article by Zarikian, N, Harutunova, L, and I. Kalantarian examines mollusk remains recovered from the Getahovit-2 cave during systematic excavations in 2014 and 2018, which yielded 746 shells from 13 identified species. This study explores the relationship between mollusk presence and human activity, helping archaeologists distinguish cultural use from natural deposition. The findings suggest that while the mollusks were not necessarily introduced by humans, their abundance indicates a brief period of human occupation in the cave, contributing valuable insights into the environmental and cultural dynamics of prehistoric life. Keywords:Getahovit-2 cave, mollusk remains, prehistoric archaeology, shell analysis, human occupation, Armenia, cultural vs. natural deposition, zooarchaeology, cave excavation.

Recent Archaeological Investigations into the Neolithic and Megalithic Culture of Lower Tungabhadra Region, Karnataka Author: P. C. VenkatasubbaiahAbstract: The present article by Prof. P. C. Venkatasubbaiah gives the findings of field survey done in the Lower Tungabhadra region of Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh for three seasons between 2009-2011 in the Kurnool, Yemmiganur and part of Adoni taluks which resulted in locating a total of 38 sites, out of which 32 sites belongs to Neolithic (2 ash mound-cum-habitation sites), two Neolithic and Megalithic, two Neolithic and Early Historic, one-Neolithic/Megalithic/Early Historic and one Megalithic-Early Historic sites. Most of the Neolithic habitations are found with deficient subsurface archaeology due to agricultural operations over these however some of these remain intact even though partially disturbed upper surface with thick stratified strata thus exposing material culture whereas multicultural sites, especially Neolithic/Early historic and Megalithic/Early historic are mounds with considerable height from the surrounding natural soils. The paper also deals with the preliminary study made on the Settlement pattern and other important features of proto historic cultural phase in this part of Andhra Pradesh. Summary: The article by Prof. P. C. Venkatasubbaiah presents the findings of a three-season field survey (2009–2011) conducted in the Lower Tungabhadra region of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, covering Kurnool, Yemmiganur, and parts of Adoni taluks. The survey led to the identification of 38 archaeological sites, including 32 Neolithic sites (two of which are ash mound-cum-habitation sites), and several multi-period sites with combinations of Neolithic, Megalithic, and Early Historic phases. While many Neolithic sites have been affected by agricultural activity, some still retain intact stratigraphy that reveals material culture. The multicultural sites, especially those with Neolithic/Early Historic and Megalithic/Early Historic components, are typically mound formations elevated above natural soil. The paper also includes a preliminary analysis of settlement patterns and other key aspects of the protohistoric cultural landscape in the region. Keywords:Lower Tungabhadra, Kurnool district, Neolithic sites, ash mounds, Megalithic, Early Historic, Andhra Pradesh archaeology, settlement pattern, protohistoric phase, multi-period sites.

Identifying pollen characters of Subfamily Papilionoideae under light microscopy: An aid to archaeological sediment study Author: Alka SrivastavaAbstract: This article by Alka Srivastava gives the atlas of pollen characters of Subfamily Papilionoideae which includes trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants under light microscopy. This can be used as reference for the identification of Pollen found from different excavations. The subfamily Papilionoideae includes a number of important pulse and vegetable crops. Fifteen taxa of subfamily Papilionoideae, growing in Kanpur area were studied for their pollen morphological characters. Summary: The article by Alka Srivastava presents an atlas of pollen morphological characteristics for fifteen taxa of the Subfamily Papilionoideae, which includes trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants significant for pulse and vegetable crops. Studied under light microscopy, these specimens were collected from the Kanpur region. The atlas serves as a valuable reference for the identification of pollen remains recovered from archaeological excavations, aiding in both botanical and archaeobotanical research. Keywords:Papilionoideae, pollen atlas, light microscopy, Kanpur flora, pulse crops, vegetable crops, palynology, archaeological reference, pollen identification.

A Coin Hoard of Alauddin Khilji from Khedi Khushnam district Shamli U.P. Author: Shamoon Ahmad and Amit Rai JainAbstract: This article by Shamoon Ahmad and Amit Jain gives the details of the coin hoard containing 18 coins found from village Khedi Khushnaam district Shamli U.P., and presently kept in Shahjad Rai Research Institute. The examination confirms that all coins are silver tankas belonging to the reign of Alā-ud-dīn Muhammad Shāh of Khiljī dynasty of Delhi Sultanate who ruled from 1296 A.D. to 1316 A.D. Out of 18 coins, 8 coins were issued from Hazrat Delhi and 7 coins were issued from Dār-ul-Islām, mint of 3 coins could not be deciphered. Summary: The article by Shamoon Ahmad and Amit Rai Jain details a hoard of 18 silver coins discovered in the village of Khedi Khushnaam, District Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, now housed at the Shahjad Rai Research Institute. Numismatic analysis identifies all coins as silver tankas from the reign of Alā-ud-dīn Muhammad Shāh of the Khiljī dynasty, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate between 1296 and 1316 A.D. Among the coins, 8 were minted in Hazrat Delhi, 7 in Dār-ul-Islām, while the mints of the remaining 3 coins could not be determined. Keywords:Coin hoard, Khedi Khushnaam, Shamli, silver tankas, Alā-ud-dīn Muhammad Shāh, Khiljī dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Hazrat Delhi, Dār-ul-Islām, numismatics.

Seals & Sealings kept in Haryana State Archaeological Museum, Gurukul Jhajjar District Jhajjar Haryana Author: Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan & Swami Virjanand DaivkarniAbstract: This article by Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan & Swami Virjanand Daivkarni gives the details of 1674 seals & sealings collected from the sites of Agroha, Ahichhatra, Jaunpur, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Mohanbadi, Naurangabad, Sugha and Sunet etc. kept at Haryana State Archaeological Museum, Gurukul Jhajjar District Jhajjar Haryana. The highlights of this collections are Greek Sealings found from different sites of North India, Indo-Parthian Sealing from Kaushambi, Sealings ofcommercial Settlements, a sealing with the image of Ganesh, sealings of Shrenis, the Banker’s sealing, Vrishani sealings, sealings of Kumaramatya & Dandanayak, sealing with legend Dharmorakśatirakśitah, the rise of local Gurus, the sealings of Padmanabha, the sealings with legend siddhirastu, Dharmakartavyam, Jitam Bhagwata and datvyam bhotvyam, sealings of Shalabhanjika, sealing of combined cult of Shiva & Vishnu and Royal Sealings of Panchala, Magha & Yaudheya kings. Summary: The article by Vijay Kumar, Alok Ranjan, and Swami Virjanand Daivkarni documents 1,674 seals and sealings housed at the Haryana State Archaeological Museum, Gurukul Jhajjar, collected from various North Indian sites including Agroha, Ahichhatra, Jaunpur, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Mohanbadi, Naurangabad, Sugha, and Sunet. Key highlights include Greek sealings, an Indo-Parthian sealing from Kaushambi, commercial settlement sealings, and a sealing featuring the image of Ganesh. The collection also features sealings of Shrenis (guilds), bankers, officials such as Kumaramatya and Dandanayak, and inscriptions like Dharmorakṣatirakṣitaḥ, Siddhirastu, Dharmakartavyam, Jitam Bhagwata, and Datavyam Bhotvyam. Additional notable items include sealings of Padmanabha, depictions of Shalabhanjika, representations of the combined cult of Shiva and Vishnu, and royal sealings from the Panchala, Magha, and Yaudheya dynasties. Keywords:Seals and sealings, Agroha, Ahichhatra, Kaushambi, Greek sealing, Indo-Parthian, Ganesh, Shrenis, Dharmorakṣatirakṣitaḥ, Panchala kings, Yaudheya, Haryana State Archaeological Museum, religious iconography, commercial settlements.

A Locational Study on Wāyā Ulpatha (Viyaulpatha) Pillar Inscription in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka Author: Dhanushka Kumara JayaratneAbstract: This article by Dhanushka Kumara Jayaratne examines the original location of the Wāyā Ulpatha (Commonly known as Viyaulpatha) pillar inscription in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. At present, this pillar inscription is located in the Wāyā Ulpatha temple premises and it has been moved from its earlier location several times. Recent archaeological explorations conducted in this region uncovered evidences from many settlements including some ancient monastic sites. The methodology of the present work is in fivefold: literature and cartographical review, field survey, personal communications and remote sensing data. The purpose of this study was to identify the physical and spatial relationships between the pillar inscriptions and to gather newly discovered archaeological evidences. Summary: The article by Dhanushka Kumara Jayaratne investigates the original location of the Wāyā Ulpatha (Viyaulpatha) pillar inscription in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. Currently situated within the Wāyā Ulpatha temple, the inscription has been relocated multiple times. Through a multidisciplinary approach—including literature and map reviews, field surveys, personal interviews, and remote sensing—the study aims to determine the physical and spatial context of the inscription and correlate it with newly uncovered archaeological evidence from nearby settlement and monastic sites. Keywords:Wāyā Ulpatha, Viyaulpatha, pillar inscription, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka archaeology, inscription relocation, monastic sites, spatial analysis, archaeological survey, remote sensing.