Alamgirpur (Hindi: ???????????) is an archeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization that thrived along Indus River (c. 3300–1300 BC) from the Harappan-Bara period, located in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, India.[1][2] It is the eastern most site of the civilization.[3]
Historical significance [edit]
This site was also called as Parasaram-ka-khera.
Excavation [edit]
The site was partially excavated in 1958 and 1959 by Archeological Survey of India.[2]
Period I [edit]
On excavation, the site showed four cultural periods with interevning breaks; the earliest of them represented by a thickness of 6 feet, belonged to Harappan Culture.[4] Although kiln burnt briks were in evidence, no structure of this period was found, probably due to limited nature of excavations.[4] Brick size were, 11.25 to 11.75 in. in length,5.25 to 6.25 in. in breadth and 2.5 to 2.75 in.in thickness; larger brickes averaged 14 in. x 8 in.x 4 in. which were used in furnace only.[4]
Artefacts found [edit]
Typical Harappan pottery was found and the complex itself appeared to be a pottery workshop. Ceramic items found included roof tiles, dishes, cups, vases,cubicle dice, beads,terrecotta cakes, carts and figurines of a humped bull and a snake.[4] There were also beads and possibly ear studs made of steatite paste, faience, glass, carnelian, quartz, agate and black jasper. Little metal was in evidence. However, a broken blade made of copper was found.[5]
Other findings [edit]
Head of a bear (?) being a part of a vessel was discovered at Alamgirpur.[4] A small terrecotta bead like structure was coated with gold.[4] Evidence of cloth is found in way of impressions on a trough; Yarn used for cloth looked fairly fine and weaving method used is "plain weave".[4]
Period II [edit]
The gap between Period I and Period II was represented by texture of composition of layers in addition to their respective cultural assemblage. Deposits belonging to Period I was compact and brownish, that of Period II was loose and grey with frequent bands of burnt earth and ash.Although kiln burnt briks were in evidence, no structure of Harappan period was found, probably due to limited nature of excavations.[4]
Importance [edit]
Discovery of Harappan culture at Alamgirpur enoramously enlarged the horizon of Indus Valley Civilisation in the eastern direction, in India.[4]
Four periods of Alamgirpur respectively belonged to (i) Harappan, (ii)Painted Grey Ware (III)Early historical and (iv) Late Medieval Period.[6]