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Vol. XL. No.

1' 2015

Environment

Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary studies


V.G. Sontakke, Man and Enyironment XL(7): 43-53 [20151.
O Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quatemary Studies

Malli: An Early lron Age Site, Gondia District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra
Virag G. Sontakke
Department of Archaeology, Government of Maharashtra, Nagpur
E-mail: viragsontakke@gmail. com

Abstract
' Early IronAge in Vidarbha is associated with the Megalithic culture and use of iron on a large scale.
I Bvidence sugges The cultural remains
I of Early Iron Ag astem part. This cul-
' tr.rral region is m the east and Wardha
VaJley in the west. The ardhaeological site of Malli, discovered by the author, is the first megalithic
excavated in GondiaDistrict during 2010-11 and again in2012-13. Large number of mega-
QltQ
lithic monuments with typological difference and inner layouts added extra significance to the site.
Excayation carried out on the habitation mound brought to light ancient habitation remains. Eight
megaliths chosen for excavation revealed hitherto less known type of inner architecture in Vidarbha.

Introduction Upper Palaeolithic specimens. Recently Naranje (2005,


Gondia District is located in the north eastern part of 2013) explored the district and discovered two new
Maharashtra and is bordered by Chhattisgarh and Madhya Iron Age/Megalithic burials sites in the Gondia District
Pradesh on eas?and norlh respectively, and Bhandara and (Naranje 2005,2013). But compared to the tremendous
Chandrapur Districts of Maharashtra to the west and south potentiality this region has, so far in accordance with the
respectively. Gondia is known as the rice bowl region, and discovered sites, very little intensive work has been carried
is the centre of timber trade and other forest produce (Dixit out. The present article is an analysis of the results of the
1986: 192). Gondia District is drained'by the Wainganga excavations at Malli, Gondia District.
River. Upper Wainganga Valley forms a part of Wardha- The megalithic burial-cum-habitation site of Malli
Wainganga Basin which further constitutes the Mdarbha (21" 19' 22" N;79" 54' 24" E) was discovered during an
Plain (Singh 1971). Wainganga Basin is enclosed by higher intensive survey by the author. It is located in the Tiroda
lands on three sides which carve out a distinct regional Taluka of Gondia District (Figs. 1-2). Megaliths at Malli
entity separated from the hilly Satpura on the north, the are located in the south-eastern side ofthe present village
Maharashtra Plateau on the west and Chhattisgarh Basin surrounded by ponds and non-perennial rain gullies.
on the east. District Bhandara (of which Gondia was a part) Intensive documentation carried out at Malli brousht to
was called the "lake district" of Maharashtra, because there light 396 megalithic burials.
were 580 large and 13,158 small and medium-sized tanks, Habitation deposit at Malli is located on the left bank
scattered all over the district (Bhandara District gazetteer of Chorkhambara River which is a tributary of River
1979).Every village of Gondia possesses more than two
tanks all around the village. Significantly, Gondia District
also occupies a pride position in the mineral map of India.
The district is also rich in forest cover and minerals of
the region include coal, manganese, limestone, chromite,
bauxite and iron ore (Singh 1971).
Though substantial research has been carried out in
the central Vidarbha, especially in Nagpur District, the
researches in the neighbouring Gondia District, have
been documentary and meagre. Antiquity of the Gondia
District goes back to the prehistoric times as proved by the
discovery ofprehistoric tools in excavations at Kachgarh
caves (Sharma 2005). Excavation carried out in the caves
has given stratified evidence of Middle Palaeolithic and

Received :22-01-2015
Modified :24-04-2015
Accepted : l7-05-2015 Fig. 1: Location map of Malli
Man and Environment XL(I) - 2015

I
Ke5alwada

Murpar
I

lRivcr
Road
RAilwrJtrnck
-I Tank$ /Lrkqi
I Modcm r illcges
O E{rl} lron Agc sitc

O 2 4KM

2 CM rl Kl\4

Fig. 2: General map of Malli

Wainganga. The habitation mounds are located opposite Megaliths at Malli show a great variety of burial type
to the burials and separated by a small stream. In total five and architecture. The survey carried out at Malli brought to
-
mounds were documented and surface survey revealed light 396 megalithic burials of different types. Main burial
that these mounds had Early Iron Age cultural affrnity. types include Stone circles, Cairn circles, Cists, Menhirs'
These mounds were situated at varying distance from the Dolmens and Cap Stone. Other than numerous typological
river bank. The whole upper Wainganga Valley is known variations megaliths of Malli are also significant for their
as the rice belt and thus most of the habitation area has variations, in their inner architecture since such types
been disturbed by agricultural practices. Currently, the area are not commonly met with in other parts of Vidarbha'
of ancient habitation is under cultivation. However, few Megaliths from Malli can be thus categorized on the
mounds were still in good state of preservation giving a basis of their inner architecture as single cist inside the
fair idea about depositional process ofthe site. stone circle, double cist inside the stone circle, multiple
cists inside the stone circle, cist inside the cairn circle,
Aim and objectives menhir inside the stone circle and dolmen inside the stone
Malli is not only the first megalithic burial-cum habitation circle. Due to various types of burials having typological
site found in the Gondia District, but the first megalithic differences, the site was divided into four localities.
site excavated in the region. Therefore, it was necessary Eight burials were taken up for excavation from different
to focus on tracing antiquity of the megalithic burials, the localities taking various observations into consideration'
architectural variations, disposal of dead, finding relation Three burials (Megaliths 1-3) were excavated from locality
and similarity with the Megalithic culture of Vidarbha I and five burials (Megaliths 4-8) were excavated from
as known from other sites, understanding of settlement locality II.
pattern, raw material usage pattern and provenance, socio-
economic and religious condition of the concerned period.

44
Malli: An Early Iron Age Site, Gondia District, tr4darbha Region, Maharashtra

Excavation: Burials
Megalith I
This megalith was small in size as compared to others and
was surrounded by other megaliths. Diameter of the circle
was 5.70 m north-south and 5.90 m from east-west. Total
23 lateritic stones were employed for the construction
of the circular periphery of the megalith (Fig. 3). Total
depth attained in this burial was 115 cm in south-west
quadrant. Semi-compact brownish to black soil mixed
with small quartzite and other stones were identified as
the main filing,component of the circle. It had a thickness
of 20 cm. Black sandy-pebbly lateritic deposit formed the
lowermost stratum on which the circle rests. Megalith I
revealed a recta4gular cist made of schigt slab in the north-
east quadrant.
Jlwas placed at the distarice of one metre
towards north ftom the central peg. Upper edge of this cist
was found only at 4 cm below the surface. It measured 50
x 50 x 20 cm orientation of the cist was east west. Skeletal
remains of anirqals have b*een found from this burial. ,etL4r\" 9i !J,o!!,!&c,4!1!r.9,orta_cil

Megalith 2
Fig. 4: Plan of Megalith 2
This megalith is a double stone circle type of burial
situated towar.dq'south of Megalith 1. Diameters of the
outer circle was 8.80 m norlh-south and 10.00 m east-west.
exposed in south-east and north-west quadrants. Central
The circle was erected upon lateritic soil. Brownish soil,
cist was divided in two chambers by a row of dressed
devoid of any stone filling, was identified as the foremost
stones in the middle sharing a common wall in the rear. It
deposit of the megalith. The double chamber cist found
measured 403 cm (east-west) from outer and 316 cm from
in a centre of the circle was divided into two parls (Fig. inner periphery. Three orlhostats were erected verlically
4). Cistla (southern) was exposed completely in the
on natural soil. Front pillar-like stones were purposely
south-east quadrant whereas Cist-lb (norlhern) was partly
cut from the top to half portion. Two flat horizontal slabs
were found in front of the cist. The slab on the southern
side measure d 120 x 90 x 10 cm while, the norlhern slab
TA,-TIRO }T.. GO N DI VA
measured 90 x 100 x 7 cm. Both the slabs were properly
placed at the same depth and rested on a well-prepared
surface. This burial also had animal skeletal fragments.

Megalith 3
This megalith was located in the same cluster at a distance
of 40 m away from Megalith 2. This was a stone circle
with a double peripheral boundary having a lateritic cist
in the centre. Diameters of the circle measured 11.50 m
from north-south and 71.25 m east-west. The main cist
of the circle was located in the centre of the circle having
east-west orientation (Fig. 5). Orthostats were made of
dressed lateritic stone erected straight into the natural soil
at a depth of65 cm from the ground level. Four dressed
lateritic stones were used as orthostats in the southern side
(115 x 30 x 70 cm) and two stones were erected on the
northem side (115 x25 x64 cm). A large dressed lateritic
stone was used as the resting stone. The entrance of the
cist was square at base and half cut at the top similar to
that in Megalith 2. Significantly, both the entrance stones
p, A\ o! SrONL CtRcA- No 2g/I LOC I had almost the same measurement for instance; southern
entrance stone was 40 x 25 x 80 cm while the northem
Fig.3: Plan of Megalith 1
entrance stone measured 40 x 25 xl5 cm. A huge capstone
Man and Environment XL(l ) - 20I 5

Fig. 6: Megalith 4

Ir0N ( 2010-11.t. TA - towards the south of the main cist adjacent to the southern
peripheral boulders. The architecture of this sub-cist was
Fig. 5: Plan of Megalith 3
similar to other excavated sub-cists of the circle. All these
had east-west orientation and all were made of dressed
lateritic stones. Few pieces of ceramics were found in
measu?irig'250 x 170 x 25 was placed over the orthostats. the excavation consisting ofpots ofcoarse red ware.
Flat horizontal slab was found in front of the main cist. However, no skeletal or other remains were found inside
Fragmentary skeletal remains were found inside a the megalith.
coarse red ware pot which was covered by a lid and was
placed over a huge lateritic block. The burial pots were Megalith 5
placed over a nafural surface Bones inside the pot were This megalith was located in an isolated position at locality
found in completely brittle condition and could not be II. This circle was made out of lateritic and metabasalt
identified. Other evidence of bones was found in same stones. It is imporlant to note that this was the only
circle below the flat stone slab which was found mixed metabasalt stone circle found in this locality. Peripheral
with the lateritic soil. No other antiquity remains were boulders of south-east portion of the circle were missing'
found inside the cist or circle. Diameters of the circle were 6.60 m and 7.90 m north-
south and east-west, respectively. Very flimsy deposit was
Megalith 4 observed inside the stone periphery.
This burial was situated in locality IV away from other No distinctive type of inner architecture was noticed
excavated megaliths. This was a stone circle with triple inside the burial. No antiquities were found. Main ceramic
enclosing circles comprising with a cist in the centre' type included coarse red ware and micaceous red ware'
Diameter of this megalith was 10.70 m (north-south) and
10.80 m (east-west). All four quadrants were dug up to a Megalith 6
depth of80 cm (Fig. 6). This was the biggest circle (diametet 27.30 m) at Malli
The central cist of Megalith 4 was somewhat different situated in locality II with a deposit of 140 cm. This cairn
from other cists at Malli. This cist was not completely circle was made of lateritic stones. Huge stones were
finished. Two stones lying over the natural surface employed for construction of the burial. Some of the
probably represented the entrance ofthe cist but the usual peripheral boulders (total79) were dressed and were cut
remaining box-like structure was absent. However, the properly. Outside the circle and adjacent to the peripheral
whole architecture exemplifies that the cist had east-west boulders, about a two metre thick deposit of small to
orientation. Three small sub-cists were found on rear side medium-sized pebbles was noticed' This represented a
of the main centre cist. Sub-cist I was located towards the deliberate attempt of buttressing the huge outer peripheral
north of the main cist adjacent to the peripheral boulders. stones to stop inclining on to the outer side. The area was
A schist stone slab was found in front of the cist probably paved by small to medium-sized stones at the same depth
meant to close the opening of the seemingly box-like as the peripheral stone.
structure. Sub-cist 2 was located 40 cm south from sub- Inside the circle, at a depth of25 cm from the outer
cist 1. Just like sub-cist 1 a horizontally placed stone slab stone an alignment was noticed in the nofih-west and
was found in front of the cist. Sub- cist 3 was located

z+o
Malli: An Early lron Age Site, Gondia District, Wdarbha Region, Maharashtra

south-west quadrant ofcircle near the peripheral boulders.


This stone alignment was running east-west and then took
a sharp turn toward the north. Schist and sand stones were
purposely used for this alignment. It was observed that
this area had remains of many micaceous red ware and
course red ware pottery. Large pots such as jar, basins,
globular pot constituted the main shapes. The surface of
micaceous red ware was gritty as the soil was mixed with
lateritic gravels. Large flakes of mica could be seen in the
section. Other than ceramics, no other remains were found.
However, a he3vily crusted crude fragment of iron was
found

Mesalith 7
Thi circle was-inade of various stones (mainlv Fig.8: Megalith 8

conglomeratel-Diameter of the circle was 5. 1 5 m east-


west and 4.80 m norlh-south. A total of 24 slabs were used
stone slab (Fig. 8). However, two vertically erected slabs
for the peripheral boundary. All these slabs were erected
were found at the centre of the circle. These slabs were
vertically like menhirs and. were inclined towards the inner
small as compared to peripheral stones.
side of the cirCle 1Fig. 7).'
A significant finding of the excavation was a cist
inside the circle near the southern peripheral stones. This
Excavation: Habitation mounds
rectangular cist+neasured 105 x 80 x 4l cm. The cist was
Out of five habitation mounds, excavations were carried
out at Mound 2 and Mound 5 due to their intact nature as
filled by light brown loose soil. Orthostats of this cist were
compared to other. Trench A and trench B were 10 x 10 m
erected vertically in the natural soil. These orthostats were
made of schist, conglomerate and sand stone and paced in
and Trench J and D were 2 x2 m.
a east-west orientation. One white cist slab was also found
Trench A
horizontally placed in front ofthe central cist. Interestingly,
pottery was found over this horizontally placed slab Total depth achieved in this trench was 2. 90 m from
surface level (Fig. 9). Stratigraphically, no occupational
thus indicating that it denoted some kind of an offering
platform. Besides coarse red ware, black ware pottery, a break was observed indicating a continuity of habitation at
this location. Howeveq on the basis of ceramic assemblage,
single animal bone fragment was found inside the cist.
the deposit of Early Iron Age period has been divided in
two phases. Phase I is identified in lowermost strata of
Megalith 8
the trench A found in Layers 77 to 20 (65 cm deposit) and
Peripheral stones of megalith 8 were not fully exposed
Layer 16 to Layer 2 formed Phase II (2,30 m deposit). The
at the surface and only edges of stones were visible over
lower level deposits were characterizedby white ashy soil
the surface just like Megalith 7. Diameter of the circle
mixed with charcoal and compact clay material. However,
was 5.55 m east-west and4.l0 m north-south. Total depth
a thick ashy deposit was observed only in the norlhern
achieved in this burial was 4J cm. This stone circle did not
yield any specific inner architecture like cist and horizontal portion of the trench. Semi-compact to loose deposit of ash
mixed with small pieces of charcoal had compact red soil
patches probably indicating some kind of burning activity.
Thin Black-and-Red ware is a characteristic feature of the
(lower) phase. It had a thin section and made a metallic
sound when struck with others. Red ware with fine bright
pinkish red slip is the main associated ware of Black-
and-Red ware. Main characteristic feature of this ware is
painted designs in black colour. Sporadic evidence of white
painted designs were also found. Black bumished ware
with high burnishing is seen from in the phase of the lower
strata. The red burnished ware is also reporled from the
lower deposit of this phase. Less occurrence of micaceous
red ware as compared to Black-and-Red ware has been
observed here. The most imporlant feature is the variety
of painted designs on Black-on-Red ware consisting of
Fig. 7: Megalith 7 comb pattern, verlical strokes, horizontal bands, diamond

A1
Man and Environment XL(I) - 2015

HA OF MALHI EXCAVATION 2OI2-13 IA.TIRODA 0rsT-- GoNorYA

ScALE 1:t0 3T

Fig. 9: Malli:_ Stratigraphy of trench A


->

T
TA, -TIROOA OISI-GONOIYA 5CALE. It20
sECTION FACING NORTH MOUNO NO I TRENCB- E ar a!

Fig. 10: Malli: Stratigraphy of trench B

shapes and square full of lines. Due to the limited area of Trench B
excavation less evidence of structural activity has been Total l0 habitation layers were identified here in a cultural
noticed in this phase. deposit of 2.65 m (Fig. l0). The whole deposit was divided
Series of habitation layers were generally noticed in two periods on the basis of material culture and ceramic
in norlhern area of trench A. The ceramic industry was assemblage. Layer I to 6 relate to habitation deposit
represented by Black-and-Red ware with slight thick of Early Iron Age culture, while the lowermost deposit
sides than observed in the lower deposit, red bumished yielded a ceramic free microlithic assemblage.
ware, black burnished ware, red ware, coarse red ware and The microlith bearing deposit was composed of
micaceous red ware of medium to fine fabric. Two different compact soil of light brown to yellow colour mixed with
activities in same trench (were observed during the small gravels of laterite and composite silt. Microlithic
excavations. For instance, the northem area of the trench assemblage was non-geometric in character consisting
revealed successive habitation floors while the southern generally ofblades, flakes, thumb scrapers, cores etc.
area gave indications of plausible remains of industrial These tools were made mainly using chert (Fig. ll , please
activity. Variety of iron objects and stone objects were see inside.front cover).
recovered from this phase (Phase II). The Early Iron Age cultural deposit in this trench
bears similarities with the upper deposit of trench A. One
of the floor levels was characteized by small river pebbles
used as a base over which comoact brown clav with lime

48
Malli: An Early Iron Age Site, Gondia District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra

plastering rested. Evidence offloor levels, burning patches edge of the hearth was l0 cm thick. A compact white layer
and ashy deposit are found in same level. Abundant pottery was observed at the base of this hearth. Scanty remains of a
was recovered from the top layers which includes course whitish floor probably due to lime plastering were noticed
red ware in large quantity followed by micaceous red ware, adjacent to the hearth. Greyish ashy deposit with large
black bumished ware and Black-and-Red ware. amount of charcoal was found from the corresponding
layer. Similar kind of evidence was also found in the same
Trench D and J trench at a depth of 226 cm. This "U" shaped hearth too
Two trial trenches were excavated in 20 10- I I . Both these was east-west oriented (48 cm north-south and 4l cm east-
trenches gave evidence of Early Iron Age cultural material. west) and had an opening to the east. The hearth ryas found
The layers assigned to this period provide evidence of adjacent to the west facing section and scanty remains of
successive layprs of composite ashy deposit mixed with flooring were also found (Fig. 13, please see inside front
charcoal-bits and soft clay earth. The ceramic industry was cover).
represented by Black-and-Red ware, black burnished ware,
red ware and mi,caceous red ware of medium to fine fabric. Ceramics (Figs. l4-16)
Towards the uliper layers of the trench, quantity of black Varieties of ceramics were found in the habitation and
burnished wart-and red ware increased. burial excavations. Ceramics found in the burial and

Structural Remains
Evidence of a floor bearing impressions of a bamboo wall
(perhaps bamddos erected- vertically adjacent to each other)
was noticed in trench B at a depth of 94 cm. This evidence
suggests that the size of house was more than three metres.
Different kind-qof floor levels such as lime floors, soil
floors, floor with thick solid base, reuse of floor, etc. were
noticed during excavations (Fig. l2). Due to burning or
firing activity many floors tumed into solid red patches.
A total of five hearths were found at Malli. In trench
B, just 16 cm below the present surface, remains of a
hearlh (49 cm east-west and 44 cm) were found. This
hearth was "U" shaped and had an opening to the east. A
complete hearlh (50 cm north-south and 35 cm east-west)
ofcharacteristic brick red colour was found in trench D at a
depth of 187 cm. The opening of the hearlh faced east. The

Fig. l4: Ceramics: Black-and-Red ware, Micaceous red ware, red


Fig. 12: Plan offloor, trench A ware

49
Man and Environment XL(I) - 2015

flared rim. Some pottery types have a medium to dark red


slip and paintings in black. Painted designs were similar
to the preceding Phase I. Painted designs includes series
ofhorizontal lines, series ofhatched diamond, group of
vertical strokes of varying number occurring on the sides
of rim both internally and externally, square filled with
intersecting, series of rectangular shorl strokes, vertical
strokes, vertical and horizontal intersecting lines, comb
pattern, etc. A few sherds of the Black-and-Red ware
bearing graffiti marks were found in this phase.

Antiquities
A limited number of antiquities were found during the
excavation. As stated earlier, out ofeight excavated burials
only one has given evidence of crude iron pieces. Most
of the antiquities were found from the habitation deposit.
Antiquities mainly are iron objects (Fig. 17), a few copper
objects and stone objects. Iron objects can be categorized
into agricultural tools, weapons, household implements,
and those used for carpentry and various other purposes.
Common iron objects were chisels, axes, sickles, spikes,
knives, daggers, arrowheads, bar-chisels, adzes, etc.
Stone objects include mullers, pounders and saddles and
querns. A few stone beads of agate and camelian were also
encountered in the habitation.

Culture sequence
Excavations at Malli revealed a two-fold culfure sequence.
Period I is associated with microlithic assemblage which
belongs to non-ceramic deposit. The main deposit of the
Fig. 15: Ceramics found from megaliths excavation at Malli was identified as belonging to the Early
Iron age.
the habitation, however, show some similarities; slight Period I was associated with microlithic assemblage
variation with reference to shapes, surface treatment, found stratigraphically at lower levels than Early Iron Age
nature of clay and firing technique have been observed. deposit. The site has reporled sequentially cultural deposit
Generally, ceramics found in megalithics are micaceous red from Microlithic levels to Early Iron Age/Megalithic
ware, course red ware and rarely black ware. The pottery Culture. Within the microlithic assemblages, different
series ofartefacts starting from the raw materials nodules
found in the megalithic burials is more coarse and gritty
as compared to those found in the habitation. Though,
to finished tiny backed tools were also found. Locally
not much rim portions were found during excavation, it available chalcedony was extensively used for production
seems that globular pots with flaring rim was much vogue
ofboth flake and blade tools and occasionally agate and
in micaceous red ware, pot and jar in coarse red ware and chert were also used for the same. The tool types are
bowls mainly of black ware. mostly blade-based: blade tool, backed blade, backed
Ceramics found in the habitation were finer and consist
point, simple blade, micro-blade, core, core scrapper,
of a wide variety of wares and shapes. Red ware was the end scrapper, flake, flake-blade, lunate, point, retouched
main ware found in the habitation throughout the period of blade, retouched point, trapeze, utilized flakes, raw
occupation. Occunence of Black-and-Red ware from base material nodules and debitage. Blades were obtained both
to top deposit is also noteworthy. Black-on-Red ware had by direct, indirect percussion and pressure techniques on
graffiti marks. Black bumished ware with medium thick crypto-crystalline minerals. Different shapes of cores have
variety (3-5 mm) was the main associate ware of Black- been found, i.e. pyramidal, conical and cylindrical. The
and-Red ware and was found in the habitation. Micaceous core platforms were well prepared to detach blades. The
red ware with mica flakes and less gritty surface was also microliths at Malli were both geometric and non-geometric
documented from the habitation. in character. However, the microliths are not associated
The common pottery shapes included a variety of with any of the ceramic-using culture. No microliths were
dishes and bowls, jars, basins, and globular pots with obtained from other excavated trenches like A, D and J, or
the burials.

50
Malli: An Early lron Age Site, Gondia District, Vidarbha Region, Maharashtra

II

tl

ll

l1 \\
Fig. 16: Black-on-Red ware found in habitation

5l
Man and Environment XL(l) - 2015

Fig. 17: Irod'-objects: (a) knife, and (b) sickle

Deposit of Period II was identified as Early Iron Age Large amount of animal bones recovered from the
on the basi$f the cultiiral material. However, on the habitation indicate wide-scale consumption of animals,
basis of ceramic assemblage, deposit of Early Iron Age probably wild animals. Bones of domesticated animals
period is divided in two phases. Phase I is identified in were also found. It was observed that cattle bones were
lowermost strata of the trench A found in layers 17 to 20 found in large numbers followed by bones of sheep
(65 cm def0sit). Layer 16 to layer 2 formed Phase II (2.30 and goats. Sharp cut marks on the bones suggested
m deposit). their processing for consumption (Goyal et aL.2015,
The material of Phase I was meagre in quantity and this volume). A few charred bones recovered from the
quality due to restricted area ofexcavation. Floor levels habitation gives evidence of how meat was cooked.
with compacl kankar base and lime plaster were found Botanical remains of rice (Oriza sativa) and green gram
from this phase. Ceramic assemblages of this phase were (Vigna mungo) from the site also reveal that the diet of
typical black and red ware with shiny and glossy surface, Early Iron Age people in Malli (Personal communication:
thin section and well fired. White core black bumished Dr. SatishNaik).
ware was mainly associated ware of Black-and-Red ware. As far as material culture is concerned Malli has
Fine red ware with pinkish red slip was also found. This given reasonably good evidence regarding iron objects.
fine ware is only connected with lower levels of this Number ofiron slag pieces recovered in proper context
phase, not associated with upper deposit ofPhase II. Less during the excavation of the habitation along with number
occuffence of micaceous red ware was found. of iron implements suggests that iron smelting and
manufacturing units were situated at the site. It is also
Discussion and Conclusions important to note that source of iron was not far from the
Excavation at habitation at Malli yielded variety of excavated site (Soitkar 1991). Almost all metal objects at
ceramics like micaceous red ware, black burnished ware, Malli came from the habitation which is in sharp contrast
red ware, coarse red ware and Black-on-Red ware. Coarse with evidence of the Megalithic culture of Vidarbha where
red ware and micaceous red ware show affinity with the most of the iron objects are found from the megalithic
megalithic ceramics. Ceramics obtained from habitation burial excavations. Though, metal objects from Malli
are fine and less gritty than those recovered from burials. show similarity with Vidarbha megalithic types, regional
Moreover, unlike burial pottery large amount of painted characteristic feafures are also clearly observed. For
pottery was also found from the habitation deposits. Along instance, an axe with double ring, a typical iron tool found
with painted pottery considerable sherds bearing graffiti in most of the sites of Vidarbha, is completely absent at
marks were also recovered only from the habitation. Malli. Along with this other iron tool-types too show slight
Typological examination of the pottery found in the differences from the Vidarbha Megalithic culture. Contrary
habitation deposits suggests affinity with ceramics found to iron, only a few copper objects were noticed at Malli.
in megalithic Vidarbha. Many shapes of micaceous red Sporadic evidence of beads of semi-precious stones was
ware and black and red ware show close similarity with also documented during the excavations.
Vidarbha megalithic culture. Painted designs and graffiti In sum, we can suggest that the microlith using people
marks also show similarity to those at Takalghat Khapa were the first settlers of Malli, though their concentration
(Deo 1970), Mahurjhari (Deo 1973) Raipur (Deglurkar and was in a smaller area nearer to the water bodies. True
Lad 1992) and Koudinyapur (Dixit 1964). expansion ofthe site had probably taken place during

52
Malli: An Early lron Age Site, Gondia Dislricl, l4darbha Region, Maharashtra

the Early Iron Age period. The people extensively References


adopted the ecological surrounding they had and out Bhandara District Gazetteer 1979. (Revised Edition),
of that they constructed nearly four hundred megaliths. Mumbai: Gazetteer Department, Government of
The construction perhaps took a century. The inner Maharashtra.
architecture observed in each megalith solemnly proved Deo, S.B. 1910. Excavation at Takalghat and Khapa
their ecological adaptation. Other than usage of stone (1968-69), Nagpur: Nagpur University.
for burial construction, forest material, network of water Deo, S.B 1973. Mahurjhari Excavations (1970-72),
bodies, arable land, deposit of iron ore etc. helped them to Nagpur: Nagpur University.
satisfy their needs. They lived in wattle and daub houses Deglurkar, G.B. and G. Lad 1992. Megalithic Raipur
supported by bamboo and plastered the inner side. They (1985-1990), Pune: Deccan College. .

had a variety qf occupations as indicated from the different Dixit, K.R. 7986. Maharashtra in Maps.Mumbai:
type of iron implements found. There is also evidence of a Maharashtra State Board for literature and
double crop agricultural system. Evidence of large number Culture.
of wild and domestic animals along with few specimens Dixit, M.G. 1964. Excavations at Koudinyapur.Mumbai:
with cut -u'ks'iu''"t that these were also consumed'
Naranje, fr:t:Tffi:lb?"I;:;:::;:* of Bhtandara District,
Acknowledgements Unpublished PhD. Thesis Submitted to Nagpur
I would like to thank the Archaeological Survey of India University.
for granting permission for the excavations. I also thank Naranje, M.G. 2013. Bhandara, Gondia Jilhyache
Sanjay Patil, D]rector, Dept. ofArchaeology and Museum, Puratafva (in Marathi), Wardha: Sudhir
Govt. of Maharashtra for his support and help. I express Prakashan
my gratitude to my Guru Prof. Rabi K. Mohanty for his Sharma, A.K. 2005. Excavating in a Cave, Cist and
expert remarks and endless guidance. I also thank the staff Church, Delhi: Bhartiya Kala Prakashan.
of the Dept ofArchaeology, Nagpur, for their assistance Singh, R.L. l9Tl.India: A Regional Geography. Varanasi:
and essential help. I am thankful to Dr. Tilok, Dr. Shantanu, National Geographical Society of India.
Dr. Tosabanta, Garima, Dhanraj, Pramod, Shobhna, Soitkar, V.A. 1991. Geology and Minerals Resources of
Sheila, Kailash and Pranjali for their active participation Maharashtra 1991.Mumbai: Director of Geology
in excavations. I am in debt to the people of Malli for their and Mining Government of Maharashtra.
extensive support, efforts and affection. Wadia, D.N. 1944. Geologlt of India, London: Macmillan
and Co. Ltd.

53
Fig. 11: Microlithic tools at Malli

5tM

Fig. 13: Remains of a hearth, TrenchA

VG. Sontakke, Man and Environment XL(l): 43_53


120151.

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