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UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR DEPARTMENT OF

Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS)

A Report on the Archaeological Excavations at

Ahan, District Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir.

Lubna Farooq Enroll ID. 17084118016

Email ID. Lubnafarooq51@gmail.com

Sanah Nisar Enroll ID. 17084118020

Email ID. khansanah72@gmail.com
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Acknowledgement
The time we spent in AHAN in the month of August was a memorable one for us as it was rich in
experience sharing and helped me discover my potential. We have had so many rich experiences
and opportunities that I personally believe will forever shape and influence my professional life
while fostering personal growth and development.
In this report, we hope to highlight the enormous opportunities offered by our department
wishing to pursue a career in the domain of Archeology Excavation. In our desire to write this
report, we have in no way any claim to come out with a perfect piece of work.
These few details lead us to realize that, like all human endeavors, this report is not perfect and
may contain errors and shortcomings. Thus, we remain open to all criticisms and suggestions
which could present us with new sources of inspiration as we develop in our ability to research
and learn.
This report would not have been possible without the contribution and collaboration of others.
My sincere gratitude:

 To Almighty God who granted me health and long life, without which I could not have
finished this internship report;
 To the Department of Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS)
 To the Research and Documentation department

To all of you, we extend our deepest gratitude.

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INTRODUCTION
Archeology Department of Kashmir University was commissioned by Russian Archeologist
Natalia Viktorovna Polosmak to undertake an Archeologist Excavation at the site of the small
village Ahan, District Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir in 2017. The site lies in the east side of the
district Ganderbal which is shown in the figure 1.

Figure 1 Ahan map

The earlier excavations were done at the Ahan village in 1960 by renowned Historian Prof
FidaHassnain. After that in 2012 the joint team of professional archeologists and experts from
Russia and Kashmir did a geophysical survey which led to the finding of the exact location of the
site, the survey map is shown in figure 2. In 2015 Dr. Ajmal Shah and Russians discovered 1 AD
Terracotta pipes which is shown in figure 3

“These pipes are of 1st century Kushan period and could have been used for drainage or carrying
water which we are yet to determine. But the discovery of such structures is very significant,” said
Dr. Ajmal Shah, Assistant Professor, Centre for Central Asian Studies (CCAS), Kashmir University
and head of the project from Kashmir side. “Another important thing is the discovery of these
pipes means that Ahan was an urban settlement and not a rural one which nobody knew till date.”
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Figure 2 geophysical map blue colored showing the structures beneath the earth

Figure 3 showing the 1AD terracotta pipes

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Then now in august 2017 eight trenches had been manually excavated by Centre for Central
Asian Studies (CCAS) and Russian team, out of those 8 trenches 4 were excavated by the Centre
for Central Asian Studies (CCAS) and 4 were excavated by the Russian team. The figure 4 shows
the site map.

Figure 4 showing the site map

Excavation results
"There is no right way of digging, but there are many wrong ways," wrote renowned
archaeologist, Sir Mortimer Wheeler. This quote gives you an idea of the complexities associated
with an excavation site. Archaeology may bring to mind dramatic discoveries, such as the tomb
of Tutankhamen, or scenes from an Indiana Jones movie. Yet, in reality archaeology is more often
a painstaking and tedious record of carefully designed excavations. Ancient objects are usually
fragile and buried deep underground. Archaeologists must use excavation techniques that grant
them access to archaeological remains without breaking, damaging or contaminating the site.
a) SHOVELING AND SCREEING
Most excavation teams use sharp skim shovels. These shallow shovels are used to carefully scrape
the excavation and slowly peal thin layers of earth. Archaeologists using this technique will be
looking out for soil changes and artifacts. Once the soil is removed from the site it is screened
with meshes to recover small artifacts field researchers may have missed.

b) TROWELING
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Archaeologists will often use trowels, wooden picks or even paint brushes instead of shovels
when they are working on a site where there is a high probability of finding artifacts or other
ancient remains. These tools allow diggers to have a better feel for the changes in the soil and
help reduce the risk of damaging an artifact.

c) VERTICAL EXCAVATION
Vertical excavation techniques are used to expose layers of strata in urban sites which have been
occupied during multiple time periods. One vertical excavating method, the Wheeler Box Grid
system creates a grid of excavated square areas while the rest of the excavation are is left intact.
This allows the study of the succession of cultures or time-scale of a particular culture without
being too invasive on other important features of an excavation.

d) HORIZONTAL EXCAVATION:
Horizontal excavations are used to uncover large sections of a site. Although more invasive than
vertical excavations, it allows a more in-depth study of a site's layout and function that other
excavating techniques cannot offer. Vertical and horizontal excavation techniques complement
each other and are often used on the same site at different times to provide a broader
understanding of the site's function and time-scale.

METHODS OF EXCAVATION:
• Unearthing the sites which involves planning excavations and layout.
• Techniques of Excavations such as Vertical, Horizontal, tools and equipments.
• Excavation of sites whether they are rock-shelter and prehistoric sites, burials, stupa and mud
structures etc.
• Recording excavated remains which involves preparation of sections and plans, stratigraphy,
three dimensional recording and site formation process.
• Retrieving botanical and other non-artefact based remains.
POST EXCAVATION ANALYSIS:
The process involves classification of objects / findings followed by reconstructing socio-
economic aspects, such as contextual and site catchment analysis
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RECORDING METHODS:
a) Drawings of site, antiquity plans and elevation section.
Photography.
b) Surveying through instruments followed by preparation of maps.
c) Scientific analysis of the excavated remains
d) Establishing site laboratory

TOOLS USED FOR EXCAVATION

There are different types of soil excavation tools and machines used in construction. Excavation
of soil is necessary in construction point of view and it should be done by hand tools or
machineries based on the area of the land or depth of excavation.
TYPES OF SOIL EXCAVATION TOOLS AND MACHINES
Now a days, for the soil excavation there are so many equipment’s are there and these are
classified into two types.
1. Hand tools
2. Machineries
Hand tools for Soil Excavation
These are generally used for smaller depths of excavations in small areas. Man power is required
to operate these tools. The tools come under this category are explained below.
•Spade
Spade is a tool which consists metal plate having sharp edges, the plate is attached to long handle
which is generally made up of wood. Because of its sharp edges the soil can be dig easily. The
metal plate having less curvature in the spade so, we cannot lift the soil by spade.
•Shovel
Shovel is tool which is used for the purpose of lifting of excavated soil. It is also similar to spade
the difference between spade and shovel is the difference in leading edge. The curvature of metal
plate of shovel is generally higher when compared to spade so we can hold the soil easily and
lifted it. Shovel can also be used for digging purpose in case of soft soils, sand etc.
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• Hoe
Hoe is an excavating tool which consists a metal plate attached to a long handle with acute angle.
The plate having sharp edge is used to excavate the soil. For small work of excavation it is widely
preferred tool. Sometimes metal plate is replaced by fork type plate.
•Trowel
Trowel is hand sized tool which is generally used to dig the small trenches in soil or to remove
the shallow roots in soil.
Rake is a tools which is having a horizontal rod having metal teeth and is used to remove the
small layers of soil.
•Pick axe
Pick axe consists hard spike attached perpendicular to handle. They are used for excavating small
trenches in soil. Pick axe can cut the soil even if the soil is of hard type. The metal spike is pointed
on one side and wide blade is provided on the other side.
•Mattock
This looks like pickaxe. But serious digging is not possible with mattock. Generally it is used as
lifting tool because of its curve shapes metal at its bottom.
• Machinery Tools for Soil Excavation:
These are the tools which are operated by mechanical force and are used for the larger depths
of excavations. There are so many types of machine tools with ease of operation are designed in
this modern day period.
•Tracked Excavator
This is also called as track hoe. It consists of cabinet and long arm. Long arm again consists of 2
parts. The first part which is closure to cabinet is called as Boom and the other part is called as
Dipper-stick. Digging bucket is attached to the end of dipper. This entire system can rotate 360
degrees. In this case Vehicle is moved by traction, so we can use this equipment in mines,
forestry, pipeline industries etc. the function of excavator is done by hydraulic fluid so, it is also
called as hydraulic excavators.
•Soil excavation machines - Tracked Excavator
•Wheeled Excavator
This whole arrangement is similar to the tracked excavator except that the movement of vehicle
is done by wheels. It can move quickly when compared to tracked excavator but it is not suitable
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for uneven grounds or hilly areas because of slippery nature. So these are generally used for road
constructions etc..
•Back Hoe Excavator
In case of back hoe excavator, the hoe arrangement is on back side and loader bucket is arranged
in front of the vehicle. So two operations digging and loading or lifting is done by hoe and loader.
This is widely used equipment nowadays because of its small size and versatility. This is moved
with the help of wheels. so, moving from one workstation to another is quickly done
•Bulldozer
Bulldozer consists of hard steel plate with sharp edge at its front. This sharp edge is helps the
plate to cut the soil and for excavation. The metal plate can be raised and lowered with the help
of hydraulic arms. The bulldozers are available in both tracked and wheeled form. These are
widely used for the works of soil excavations, weak rock strata removal, lifting of soil etc.
•Dragline Excavator
Dragline excavators consists large length boom. A cable is hanged from the top of the boom and
digging bucket is suspended to the cable. Generally dragline excavators are used for larger depth
excavations like port construction, under water sediment removal etc. These are heavy
equipment with greater economy.
•Trenchers
Trenchers are the equipment’s used to dig trenches in the ground. These are also available in
many sizes based on our requirement. The trenches dug are generally used for drainage purpose,
pipeline laying, cable laying. The trenchers are generally available in two types
1) Chain trenchers.
2) Wheeled trenchers.
•Chain trenchers
Chain trencher consists of a fixed arm called boom around which digging chain is arranged. The
chain is very hard and consists sharp tooth. Whenever it is driven into ground the chain rotates
around boom with rapid force and cuts the ground. By adjusting the angle of the boom we can
manage the depth to be excavated. It cuts the soil with hard strata which cannot excavate by
bucket type excavator. In case of smaller chain trenchers wheeled vehicles are available and for
larger chain trenchers are available in tracked form.
•Wheeled trenchers
In case of wheeled trencher, toothed metal wheel is used as trenching tool. This equipment is
available in both tracked and wheeled form of vehicles. When compared to chain trencher the
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wheeled trencher can cut harder soil strata. It is also used to cut pavement surface while road
repair works. Economically also wheeled trencher is better than the chain trencher

TOOLS USED IN AHAN _2017 EXCAVATION WERE:

1. Spades (small size and medium size)
2. Scrappers (small and big)
3. Shovels (round and flat)
4. Trowels (Small and medium)
5. Clippers (garden type)
6. Knife
7. Brushes (2inches, 4inches and 6 inches bristles)
8. Paper
9. Plastic bags
10. Buckets to remove soil (debris)
11. Camera
12. Pegs
13. String (rope)
14. Tape for sticking.
15. Scale (measuring tape).
The photograph of one of the trench is in the figure 5
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Plan Layout
The Ahan project as designed to preserve the Archaeological history of the area the salvage effort
was conducted in the Ahan area from 06_09_2017 to 24_09_2017.
a) GRID
It is common and good practice on excavations to lay out a grid of 5m squares so as to facilitate
planning. This grid is marked out on-site with grid pegs that form the baselines for tapes and
other planning tools to aid the drawing of plans. It is also common practice that planning is done
for each context on a separate piece of perma-trace that conforms to these 5m grid squares. This
is part of the single context recording system.
b) PLANNING DRAWING CONVENTIONS
Archaeological planners use various symbols to denote characteristics of features and contexts
and while conventions vary depending on practitioner.
c) PRE EXCAVATION AND BASE PLANS:
On sites with little stratigraphic depth, a pre-excavation multi-context plan is sometimes made
of all visible features before any excavation is carried out. This helps in planning strategy since
problems of stratigraphy on rural sites are minimal as features often cut into the natural
minimizing issues of inter-cutting features. Conversely, planning a multi-context urban site is
difficult to achieve on a multi-context plan as the features and deposits when planned will
obscure each other on the same planning sheet.
Phase 1
On 07_09_2017 excavation started trenches were labelled as A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.
During this time we found the U shape stone structure, it is possible for a single site to have more
than one component.
SOIL PROFILE:
The soil being excavated was grassy but hard unnatural. Due to presence of less moisture
content. The same soil was buff in color under the top layer.
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Phase 2
We started working on one of the trenches.
TO LAY A TRENCH WE NEED:
• 4 x Pegs
• 2 x Open Reel Tape Measures
• Brightly colored string
• A calculator (or someone very good at mental arithmetic)
• First up, decide where you’re going to place your trench –
• Situated close to a culvert, it’ll help us answer some important questions about how water was
moved around the site, as well as investigate some local legends. From a management point of
view it’ll also help us assess the extent of damage to the abbey from burrowing bunnies!
• We want our trench to measure 2.5m x 2m, and to make sure we get the PERFECT corners (90◦
angles) the diagonal needs to measure the square-rooted sum of the two sides squared and
added together i.e. 2.5m2 x 2m2 = 10.25,
• To mark this out on site, start from a fixed peg representing one corner of the trench and attach
a tape to the peg. Measure the tape out to the length of side ‘a’ and place another peg.
• From this peg attach another measure. Extend both measures out and bring them together so
that they cross at the desired length of both ‘b’ and ‘c’ and place another peg. Repeat the process
for the final corner.
• Now we got the 4 corners of your trench, mark it out by attaching a length of string & between
all four nails to create a square or rectangle. It’s a good idea to make sure the string is highly
visible to reduce the risk of people tripping over it; wave opted for a fetching orange.
• Finally, we can start removing the top soil! You have a trench that’s ready to dig…
EXCAVATION ON NORTH SIDE OF PLOT A5:
On the north side we start digging on 07_09_2017.
LAYER 1:
First layer of North side was dug on 07_09_2017.
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Soil being excavated was grassy and hard. Due to the presence of less moisture. Under this top
soil layer what we found was: red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structure.
Black pottery was less in number while as the red ware was found abundant. There were signs of
stone structures because of the presence of medium and small sized stone towards the northern
side of A5 trench.
LAYER 2:
Second layer was dug on 07_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer second was light Brown and it was moist. The texture was soft with very
little grains of sand. In this layer we found red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structures.
The material culture that was recovered in this layer included red ware pot shreds in abundance.
In addition to that black colored pot shreds were also found in this layer. The stone structure was
comparatively visible due to the presence of more scattered stones.
LAYER 3:
Third layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer third was light dark brown with soft texture and moist. The wide stone
structure of small stones was quite visible in this level. This layer yielded red ware pot shreds in
much quantity followed by a few black colored pot shreds.
LAYER 04:
Fourth layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The soil was brownish with moisture and sticky in nature. Under this layer we found a bead, bone
fragments, red ware, and black ware.
The material culture recovered in this layer was a bead which was black in color with a running
hole in between. Red pottery shreds continued in this layer. As well as black pottery. Some bone
fragments were also recorded. The stone structure was visible to some extent.
LAYER 05:
Fifth layer was dug on 09_09_2017
The soil was brownish in color with extra moisture content. Red ware pottery mostly thick and
medium ware with some thin pieces as well. Some pot pieces of ochre color were also recorded
black ware pottery pieces were also found in this layer .bone fragments were recorded but few
in number. Terracotta tile piece with circular and linear designs suggesting the kushan type
pottery which was found in the harwan site as well.
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LAYER 06:
Sixth layer was dug on 10_09_2017.
The color of the soil in this layer was light dark brown with the soft texture. The stone structure
was exposed. Charcoal pieces were seen in this layer. Red colored rim fragment was also
recovered it seems to be a part of a small jar like vessel. Pot shred of red ware , with thin as well
as thick fabrics were found there .
Layer 07:
Seventh layer was dug on 10 _09_2017.
The color of the soil was brown and moist. The stone structure was clearly visible. A bone which
was under a terracotta tile piece was also found. Slag started to appear in this layer. Seems fire
has erupted there or flood. A tooth was also found in this layer. It seems an animal’s tooth. Red
ware as well as black ware pottery was found in this layer.
LEVEL 08:
Eighth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was mostly brown with some burnt clay traces. Highly moisturized. Red ware includes
thick and medium ware pieces. Some neck and rim pieces were also recorded. A shred was also
found. Bone fragments were also recorded some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded.
Stone structure was visible. Limestone piece was also found in this layer.
LEVEL 09:
Ninth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was black in color. Charcoal pieces were found in this layer, red ware pottery was
recorded but few in number. A broken black ware pot was found in this layer. Terracotta tile
piece was also recorded in this layer. Stone structure started declining from this layer a slaggy
layer was found under the stone structure which indicate about fire or flood. Bone fragments of
ambiguous preliminary identification were also recovered.
LEVEL 10:
Tenth layer was dug on 12_09_2017.
The soil was black in color. A broken base of some vessel was found which was red ware pottery.
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LEVEL 11:
Eleventh level was dug on 11_09_2017
The soil was moist. Dark black in color red ware and black ware pottery was not found in layer
eleven. We were moving towards the natural soil. A piece of tile was found in this layer.
LEVEL 12:
Level twelve was dug on 12_09_2017
In level twelve we got the natural soil. And we found a stone structure on the floor of level twelve
which was comparatively visible.
LEVEL 13:
Level 13 was dug on 13_09_2017
In thirteenth level no red ware or black ware was found.no bone fragments were found in this
layer the stone structure lying on this level was found. This level was the natural soil. Afterwards
we found no artefact.

EXCAVATION ON NORTH SIDE OF PLOT A6:

On the north side we start digging on 07_09_2017.
LAYER 1:
First layer of North side was dug on 07_09_2017.
Soil being excavated was grassy and hard. Due to the presence of less moisture. Under this top
soil layer what we found was: red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structure.
Black pottery was less in number while as the red ware was found abundant. There were signs of
stone structures because of the presence of medium and small sized stone towards the northern
side of A6 trench.
LAYER 2:
Second layer was dug on 07_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer second was light Brown and it was moist. The texture was soft with very
little grains of sand. In this layer we found red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structures.
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The material culture that was recovered in this layer included red ware pot shreds in abundance.
In addition to that black colored pot shreds were also found in this layer. The stone structure was
comparatively visible due to the presence of more scattered stones.

LAYER 3:
Third layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer third was light dark brown with soft texture and moist. The wide stone
structure of small stones was quite visible in this level. This layer yielded red ware pot shreds in
much quantity followed by a few black colored pot shreds.
LAYER 04:
Fourth layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The soil was brownish with moisture and sticky in nature. Under this layer we found a bead, bone
fragments, red ware, and black ware.
The material culture recovered in this layer was Red pottery shreds continued in this layer. As
well as black pottery. Some bone fragments were also recorded. The stone structure was visible
to some extent.
LAYER 05:
Fifth layer was dug on 09_09_2017
The soil was brownish in color with extra moisture content. Red ware pottery mostly thick and
medium ware with some thin pieces as well. Some pot pieces of ochre color were also recorded.
Black ware pottery pieces were also found in this layer .bone fragments were recorded but few
in number. Terracotta tile piece suggesting the kushan type pottery which was found in the
harwan site as well.
LAYER 06:
Sixth layer was dug on 10_09_2017.
The color of the soil in this layer was light dark brown with the soft texture. The stone structure
was exposed. Charcoal pieces were seen in this layer. Pot shred of red ware, with thin as well as
thick fabrics were found there.
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Layer 07:
Seventh layer was dug on 10 _09_2017.
The color of the soil was brown and moist. The stone structure was clearly visible. Slag started
to appear in this layer. Seems fire has erupted there or flood. A. Red ware as well as black ware
pottery was found in this layer.
LEVEL 08:
Eighth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was mostly brown with some burnt clay traces. Highly moisturized. Red ware includes
thick and medium ware pieces. Some neck and rim pieces were also recorded. A shred was also
found. Bone fragments were also recorded. Some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded.
Stone structure was visible.
LEVEL 09:
Ninth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was black in color. Charcoal pieces were found in this layer. Red ware pottery was
recorded but few in number. A broken black ware pot was found in this layer. Terracotta tile
piece was also recorded in this layer. Stone structure started declining from this layer a slaggy
layer was found under the stone structure which indicate about fire or flood. Bone fragments of
ambiguous preliminary identification were also recovered.
LEVEL 10:
tenth layer was dug on 12_09_2017.
The soil was black in colour . No red ware or black pottery was found in this layer.
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EXCAVATION ON NORTH SIDE OF PLOT A7:

On the north side we start digging on 07_09_2017.
LAYER 1:
First layer of North side was dug on 07_09_2017.
Soil being excavated was grassy and hard. Due to the presence of less moisture. Under this top
soil layer what we found was: red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structure.
Black pottery was less in number while as the red ware was found abundant. There were signs of
stone structures because of the presence of medium and small sized stone towards the northern
side of A7 trench.
LAYER 2:
Second layer was dug on 07_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer second was light Brown and it was moist. The texture was soft with very
little grains of sand. In this layer we found red ware pottery, black ware pottery, stone structures.
The material culture that was recovered in this layer included red ware pot shreds in abundance.
In addition to that black colored pot shreds were also found in this layer. The stone structure was
comparatively visible due to the presence of more scattered stones.

LAYER 3:
Third layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The color of soil in layer third was light dark brown with soft texture and moist. The wide stone
structure of small stones was quite visible in this level. This layer yielded red ware pot shreds in
much quantity followed by a few black colored pot shreds.
LAYER 04:
Fourth layer was dug on 08_09_2017.
The soil was brownish with moisture and sticky in nature. Under this we found , red ware , black
ware pottery
The material culture recovered in this layer was Red por sherds continued in this layer. As well as
black pottery. Some bone fragments were also recorded. The stone structure was visible to some
extent.
LAYER 05 :
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Fifth layer was dug on 09_09_2017

The soil was brownish in color with extra moisture content. Red ware pottery mostly thick and
medium ware with some thin pieces as well. Some pot pieces of ochre color were also recorded.
Black ware pottery pieces were also found in this layer .bone fragments were recorded but few
in number. Terracotta tile piece suggesting the kushan type pottery which was found in the
harwan site as well.
LAYER 06:
Sixth layer was dug on 10_09_2017.
The color of the soil in this layer was light dark brown with the soft texture. The stone structure
was exposed. Charcoal pieces were seen in this layer. Pot sherd of red ware, as well as thick
fabrics were found there .

Layer 07:
Seventh layer was dug on 10 _09_2017.
The color of the soil was brown and moist. The stone structure was clearly visible. Slag started
to appear in this layer. Seems fire has erupted there or flood. A. Red ware as well as black ware
pottery was found in this layer.

LEVEL 08:
Eighth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was mostly brown with some burnt clay traces. Highly moisturized. Red ware includes
thick and medium ware pieces. Some neck and rim pieces were also recorded. A shred was also
found. Bone fragments were also recorded, some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded.

LEVEL 09:
Ninth layer was dug on 11_09_2017.
The soil was black in color. Charcoal pieces were found in this layer. Red ware pottery was
recorded but few in number. Terracotta tile piece was also recorded in this layer. Stone structure
started declining from this layer a slaggy layer was found under the stone structure which
indicate about fire or flood. Bone fragments of ambiguous preliminary identification were also
recovered.
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LEVEL 10:
Tenth layer was dug on 12_09_2017.
The soil was black in color. No red ware or black pottery was found in this layer, a stone floor was
seen in this layer.

Phase 3
Excavation of Trench A8.
TO LAY A TRENCH WE NEED:
• 4 x Pegs
• 2 x Open Reel Tape Measures
• Brightly colored string
• A calculator (or someone very good at mental arithmetic
• First up, decide where you’re going to place your trench –
• Situated close to a culvert, it’ll help us answer some important questions about how water was
moved around the site, as well as investigate some local legends. From a management point of
view it’ll also help us assess the extent of damage to the abbey from burrowing bunnies.
• We want our trench to measure 2.5m x 2m, and to make sure we get the PERFECT corners (90◦
angles) the diagonal needs to measure the square-rooted sum of the two sides squared and
added together i.e. 2.5m2 x 2m2 = 10.25,
• To mark this out on site, start from a fixed peg representing one corner of the trench and attach
a tape to the peg. Measure the tape out to the length of side ‘a’ and place another peg.
• From this peg attach another measure. Extend both measures out and bring them together so
that they cross at the desired length of both ‘b’ and ‘c’ and place another peg. Repeat the process
for the final corner.
• Now we got the 4 corners of your trench, mark it out by attaching a length of string & between
all four nails to create a square or rectangle. It’s a good idea to make sure the string is highly
visible to reduce the risk of people tripping over it; we’ve opted for a fetching orange.
• Finally, we u can start removing the top soil. You have a trench that’s ready to dig.
 Page 21 of 40

Figure showing the four quadrants of the trench A8.

1st QUADRANT (NORTH EAST)

AHN _2017
DATE: 21_09_2017.
TRENCH: A8
LOT NO: A8001
LOCUS: NE
LEVEL: 01
ST DEPTH: O
ENDING DEPTH: 6inches
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COMMENTS:
First layer of NE quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 21/09/2017. Many findings were recorded in
the quadrant which include Red ware, black ware, and gray ware pottery, terracotta tile pieces.
Main features of these findings are discussed below:-
1) RED WARE: This includes mostly thick and medium ware with some thin pieces as well. The
outer section of the potsherds was fine in texture. Red ware was 25 in number.
2) BLACK WARE: Some black /grey ware pieces having straight lime were also found. These
potsherds had thin section with a fine core
3) Neck pieces: Red neck pieces were also found having fine texture.
4) Terracotta tile: A coarse terracotta tile with wavy lines having ochre red in color was also
found.
5) Bones: Two unknown bone pieces were also found.

AHN _2017
DATE: 21_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A8005
LOCUS: 02
ST.DEPTH: 06 inches
E.DEPTH: 12inches.
COMMENTS:
Second layer of the NE LOT was dug on 21_09_2017 various findings were recorded from thus
layer such as red ware pottery, black ware pottery, bones etc. Rim of pots were serially under the
soil were visible along with their lids. The soil being excavated had a good content of moisture.
Soil was a bit soft than layer1. The color of the soil was light brown. Under the soil we found:
1) RED WARE: Some red pieces were also recorded
2) BLACK WARE: Few pieces of potsherds that were black /grey in color were also recorded with
fine texture.
3) SPECIAL FINDINGS: Rim of the pots which were serially under the soil were visible along with
their lids.
 Page 23 of 40

4) WHOLE POTS: Four pots were recorded in this layer all contained a stone lid. Three pots were
one after another and the fourth one was opposite to the third pot with a broken rim.
5) Bones: Bones were recorded in this layer also.
6) BURNT BRICK: Pieces of broken burnt bricks were found in second layer.

AHN_ 2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A8009
LOCUS: N.E
LEVEL: 03
ST. DEPTH: 12inches
E. depth: 1ft.6"
COMMENTS:
Third layer of the NE lot was dug on 22/09/2017 Many findings were recorded in this layer also.
The following were the important ones:-
1) Soil profile: This soil is mostly brown colored with burnt clay and is highly moisturized.
The soil was mostly buff colored with little moisture in it.
2) RED WARE POTTERY: Includes thick and medium ware pieces some neck and rim pieces were
also recorded.
3) BLACK WARE: Few pieces of potsherds were black in color and were fine in touch.
4) Special findings: The rim of the pots which were visible in the second layer. Somehow their
necks happen to be visible clearly. There was a little distance between the neck and the body.

AHN_2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A80013
 Page 24 of 40

LOCUS: NE
LEVEL: 04
ST.DEPTH: I.6"
END. DEPTH: 2'.(24")
COMMENTS:
The fourth layer of the NE lot was dug on 22/09/2017.various findings were recorded from this
layer. Such as Red ware pottery, black ware pottery, bones etc.
Soil profile:
The soil being excavated in level four was soft in nature. The color of the soil was light brown,
good content of the soil was found in the soil.
Material cultures:-
1) Black ware pottery: Some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded but less in number.
2) Red ware pottery: Red pottery pieces were found good in number.
3) Terracotta tile: At the depth of 23inches we found terracotta piece (tile). Rims were completely
visible along with stone lids.
4) Bones: A piece of bone was also found in the same layer.

AHN_2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
LOT.NO: A8
LOCUS: NE.
LEVEL: 05
St. Depth: 2'. (24")
End depth: 2'.6"
COMMENTS:
Fifth layer of the NE lot was dug on 22_09_2017.various findings were recorded from this layer
such as Red ware pottery, black ware pottery, bones charred wood, bones etc.
SOIL PROFILE:
 Page 25 of 40

The soil being excavated was brownish in color. Good content of moisture was found in the soil.
Soil texture was good and this layer was softer than others.

MATERIAL CULTURE:
1) Red ware pottery: Pieces of red ware pottery were few in number.
2) Black ware pottery: Good number of black/grey potsherds were found in fifth layer
3) Charred wood: A layer of charred wood was also present.
4) Whole pots: Bulged globular shaped pots whose neck and lid were visible in the previous layer
seems to be little visible. The fourth pot, that was opposite to the third pot was cracked, neck of
the pot was also cracked (half under the baulk line).
AHN_2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
Lot. No: A80021
LOCUS: NE
LEVEL: 06
S.depth: 2'.6"
E.depth: 3"
COMMENTS:
Sixth layer of the NE lot was dug on 23_09_2017.
Many findings were recorded in this layer also. The following were the important ones:
SOIL PROFILE:
The sixth layer being excavated was blackish in color, sixth layer was soft in nature.
MATERIAL CULTURE:
1) Red ware pottery: The red pottery that was good in number from last five levels, started
decreasing when we went down.
2) Black ware pottery: Black pottery was in good in number.
3) Whole pot: The pots being excavated where partially under the baulk line. Only one side was
visible, the shape of the pot was oval and bulged. With a flat resting base.
 Page 26 of 40

The shape of the second pot was bulged and globular (geoid in shape).
4) Terracotta tile: Two fragments of broken vessel was also found, whose base was resting at
level 8.

AHN _2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
Lot. No: A80025
LOCUS: NE
LEVEL: 07
S depth: 3"
E.depth : 3'.6"
COMMENTS:
Seventh layer of the NE lot was dug on 23_09_2017. Many findings were recorded in this layer.
Soil profile:
As we went down the color of the soil became darker. Moisture content was good enough.

MATERIAL CULTURE:
1) Black ware pottery: Twelve pieces of black pottery was found in the seventh layer.
2) Red ware pottery: Some red pot pieces were also recorded. The red ware does not bear any
design.
3) Neck pieces: Seven neck pieces were recorded.
4) Bones: Some unknown bones were also found which were five in number.
5) Whole pot: The pot being excavated, were fully visible. The base was intact with the level 08.

AHN _ 2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
 Page 27 of 40

LOT.NO: A80029
LOCUS: NE
LEVEL: 08
S.DEP: 3'.6"
E.DEP: 4"
COMMENTS
Eighth layer of the NE LOT was dug on 23_09_2017
Various findings were recorded from this layer such as red ware pottery, black ware pottery,
broken spout, neck pieces etc.
Soil profile:
The soil being excavated was black in color. Moisture content was increasing.
Material culture:
1) Black ware pottery: Nine pieces of black pots were found.
2) Red ware pottery: Red pot shreds were also present in 8th layer.
3) Charcoal pieces: Charcoal pieces were also recorded.
4) Bones: Bone pieces were also found .which were 2 in number.
5) Metal: Metallic piece was found in the layer 08.
6) Lime stone: Some traces of the broken lime stone pieces were recorded.
In the level 08 the pots were taken out.

Quadrant South East (2)

AHN _2017
DATE: 21_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOCUS: SOUTH EAST
LOT NO: A8002
St. depth: 0 inches.
 Page 28 of 40

End. depth: 6inches.

COMMENTS:
First layer of SE quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 21/09/2017. Many findings were recorded in
the quadrant which include red ware pottery, black ware pottery, traces of stone structures.

● Soil profile: The first layer of the soil was loose and buff colored in the beginning of the dig. It
was mostly dry. In the southern side of the quadrant charcoal pieces were found and the soil was
wet in that side.
● Stone structure: There were signs of stone structure because of the presence of medium and
small sized stones towards the southern side of trench.
Material culture:
● Red ware pottery: The major quantity of the potsherds were red in color. Which were thin as
well as thick.
● Black ware pottery: Some black /grey ware pieces having straight lines were also found.
● Neck piece: a neck piece with designs of incision was also found.
● Terracotta tile piece: a coarse terracotta tile piece having ochre _ red color measuring
3×6×6.5cms.
● Bone fragments: There were small six bone fragments found in the quadrant.
Besides that a part of tooth was also recovered. The smallest part of the bone was 2.2 cm and
the largest part was 6.6 cm.

AHN _ 2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
 Page 29 of 40

LOCUS: A8006
St. Depth: 6 inches.
End depth: 11inches.
COMMENTS:
Second layer of SE quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 22_09_2017. Various findings were
recorded from this layer. Such as red ware pottery, black ware pottery, tooth, bones etc.
●Soil profile: The color of the soil in layer second layer was light brown and it was moist. The soil
texture was soft with very little grains of sand.
● Stone structure: The stone structure was comparatively visible due to the presence of more
scattered stones.
Material culture:

● Red ware pottery: The material culture that was received in this layer included red ware pot
shreds. In abundance of both thick and thin fabrics.
● Black ware pottery: Black colored pot shreds were also found in this layer.
● Terracotta tile piece: Terracotta pieces of red color were also recorded.
● Tooth: The notable material culture received was the lower jaw of an ambiguous creature with
five molars and one incisors teeth, with 6 cm length and 4cm height and 1.2 cm breadth.
● Bone fragment: Bone fragment of a joint was also collected with small pieces of bones. With
5.4 cm long, 0.6cm thick and 1.7 cm broad.
● Pot contents: The middle pot of thick fabric red colored, while taking out contents from it ,
yielded fine wet soil mainly possessing ash and black charcoal and burnt seeds.

AHN_ 2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
 Page 30 of 40

LOCUS: SOUTH EAST

LOT.NO: A8010
St depth: 11inches
End depth: 17 inches.
COMMENTS:
Third layer of SE lot was dug on 22_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this layer such
as red war pottery, black ware pottery, bone fragments, iron nail etc.

● Soil profile: The color of the soil in this layer was light dark brown with soft texture and moist.
● Stone structure: the 40 inches wide stone structure of small stones was quite visible. With a
height of 5.5 inches.
Material culture:
● Red ware pottery: This layer yielded red ware pot shreds in much quantity. There were both
glazed and non-glazed red ware potsherds pottery with parallel incised lines on them.
● Black ware pottery: Few thin black pot shreds were also recorded.
● Bone fragment: Bones of ambiguous preliminary identification were also recovered.
● Pot: The side of a pot was also seen in layer three under the baulk line towards the northern
side of the quadrant. A lid with small tip or handle and portion of small vessel with base was also
recovered there.
● Iron nail: An iron nail was also found in this layer which seems of recent time. It was not much
rusted and completely resembles with the modern day nails.

AHN _2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
 Page 31 of 40

TRENCH: A8
LOCUS: SOUTH EAST
LOT No: A8 014
St. Depth: 17inches.
End. Depth: 23 inches.
COMMENTS:
Fourth layer of the SE lot was dig on 23_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this layer
such as red ware, black ware, stone structure etc.
● Soil profile: In this layer the soil was soft light dark and wet.
Material culture:
● Red ware pottery: the pot shred red ware continued in this layer.
● Black ware pottery: the black pot shreds were also recorded.
● Terracotta tile: A big terracotta piece was also found with 12cm length 7.3 cm breadth and 1.6
cm thickness. It was light red in color. Colored brick fragments / debris was found. It was 57inches
in length from east to west and 13 inches in breadth.
● Iron piece: An iron piece was also found with 23.5cm in length and 0.5cm diameter. It belongs
to recent period as it was in fresh condition with very little rusty polish.
● Bone fragments: Very small four bone fragments were also recovered from the layer with
ambiguous nature.

AHN_2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
 Page 32 of 40

LOT.NO: A8 0018
LOCUS: SOUTH EAST
St. Depth: 23inches.
End. Depth: 28inches.
COMMENTS:
Fifth layer of the SE lot was dug on 23_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this layer
such as red ware pottery, black ware, and stone structure.
● Soil profile: The soil in the fifth layer was soft as compared to other layers. As we went down
the soil color started changing in brown color.
● Stone structure: The stone structure was exposed to 16 inches in height.
Material culture:
● Black ware pottery: pot shreds of black ware were recorded few in number.
● Red ware pottery: pot shreds of red ware with thin as well as thick fabrics were found there.
● Charcoal pieces: pieces of burnt clay with scattered charcoal pieces appeared in this layer but
very scare.
● Terracotta tile pieces: a terracotta piece of 9.5cm length, 7.5 cm breadth and 2cm thick was
also recorded.
● Debris: A very little space of four inches from east west towards the North of the quadrant was
able to dig. The height of the red debris was 6 inches
● Bone fragment: Very small pieces of fractured bones were found there but 2 pieces of rib bones
were noticeable. One rib was 7cm long and 0.2 cm thick.

Quadrant SOUTH WEST (3)

AHN _2017
DATE: 21_09_2017
 Page 33 of 40

TRENCH: A8
LOCUS: SOUTH WEST
LOT NO: A8003
St. depth: 0 inches.
End. deth: 7nches.
COMMENTS:
First layer of SW quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 21/09/2017. Many findings were recorded in
the quadrant which include red ware pottery, black ware pottery, traces of stone structures.

● Soil profile: The first layer of the soil was loose and buff colored in there pottery: Black colored
pot shreds were also found in this layer.
● Terracotta tile piece: Terracotta pieces of red color were also recorded.
● Bone fragment: Bone fragment of a joint was also collected with small pieces of bones.
● Pot contents: The middle pot of thick fabric red colored, while taking out contents from it,
yielded fine wet soil mainly possessing ash and black charcoal and burnt seeds.
Important finding: a piece of an ornament was recorded.

AHN _ 2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOCUS: A8007
ST. depth: 07 inches.
End depth: 15 inches.

COMMENTS:
Second layer of SE quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 22_09_2017. Various findings were
recorded from this layer. Such as red ware pottery, black ware pottery, tooth, bones etc.
 Page 34 of 40

● Soil profile: The color of the soil in layer second layer was light brown and it was moist. The soil
texture was soft with very little grains of sand.
● Stone structure: The stone structure was comparatively visible due to the presence of more
scattered stones.
Material culture:

● Red ware pottery: The material culture that was received in this layer included red ware pot
shreds. In abundance of both thick and thin fabrics.
● Black ware pottery: Black colored pot shreds were also found in this layer.
● Terracotta tile piece: Terracotta pieces of red color were also recorded.
● Tooth: The notable material culture received was the lower jaw of an ambiguous creature with
five molars and one incisors teeth,
● Bone fragment: Bone fragment of a joint was also collected with small pieces of bones.
● Pot contents: The middle pot of thick fabric red colored, while taking out contents from it,
yielded fine wet soil mainly possessing ash and black charcoal and burnt seeds.

AHN_ 2017
DATE : 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A8011
St depth: 15inches
End depth: 22 inches.
COMMENTS:
Third layer of SW lot was dug on 23_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this layer
such as red war pottery, black ware pottery, bone fragments, iron nail etc.
● Soil profile: The color of the soil in this layer was light dark brown with soft texture and moist.
● Stone structure: the wide stone structure of small stones was quite visible.
Material culture:
 Page 35 of 40

● Red ware pottery: This layer yielded red ware pot shreds in much quantity. There were both
glazed and non-glazed red ware potsherds pottery with parallel incised lines on them.
● Black ware pottery: Few thin black pot shreds were also recorded.
● Bone fragment: Bones of ambiguous preliminary identification were also recovered.

AHN _2017
DATE: 23_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOCUS: SOUTH WEST
LOT No: A8 015
St. Depth: 22 inches.
End. Depth: 27 inches.
COMMENTS:
Fourth layer of the SW lot was dig on 23_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this layer
such as red ware, black ware, stone structure etc.
● Soil profile: In this layer the soil was soft light dark and wet.
Material culture:
● Red ware pottery: the pot shred pod red ware continued in this layer.
● Black ware pottery: the black pot shreds were also recorded.
● Terracotta tile: A big terracotta piece was also found. It was light red in color.
● Debris: On the north _ west side of the quadrant after scrapping a two inch soil red colored
brick fragments / debris was found. It was 57inches in length from east to west and 13 inches in
breadth.
● Bone fragments: Very small four bone fragments were also recovered from the layer with
ambiguous nature.
 Page 36 of 40

QUADRANT NW (4)
AHN_2017
DATE: 21_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A8004
LOCUS: NW
S. depth: 0 inches
E. depth: 6 inches
COMMENTS:
First layer of NW quadrant of A8 trench was dug on 21/09/2017. Many findings were recorded in
the quadrant which include Red ware, black ware, and grey ware pottery, terracotta tile pieces
and a stone made seal , main features of these findings are discussed below:-
● Soil profile: The soil to be excavated was grassy and hard with less moisture.
Material culture
● Red ware pottery: This includes mostly thick and medium ware with some thin pieces as well
as some pot pieces of ochre color bear circular and linear designs suggesting the kushan type
pottery that was also found in the harwan.
● Black ware pottery: Some black/grey ware pieces having straight lines were also found having
a black rim piece with particular design.
● Terracotta tile piece: a coarse terracotta piece having ochre red color with dimensions
14.5×13×2cm also found. From no designs were reported on the tile piece.
● Seal: Among the major findings was a stone made seal with a running hole in between which
indicate that it may be a pendant or amulet, anthropomorphic figurines.
 Page 37 of 40

AHN 2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT NO: A8 018
LOCUS: NW
S. Depth: 6 inches
End Depth: 11 inches.
COMMENTS:
Second layer of NW lot was dug on 22/09/2017. Many findings were recorded in this layer. The
important findings included
● Soil profile: soil was brown in color, and with moisture.
Material culture:
● Red ware pottery: includes thick and medium ware pieces. Some neck pieces and designed
rim pieces were reported as well.
● Black and grey ware pottery: some black and grey ware pot pieces were also recorded. This
black ware pieces doesn't bear any design.
● Terracotta pieces: two terracotta pieces with dimensions
1) 7×6×1cm
2) 9.5×7×1.4cm
Were also found. These terracotta piece bear no design.
● Bones: Some bone pieces were also recorded from the quadrant.

AHN 2017
DATE: 22_09_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT NO: A8012
LOCUS: NW
S. Depth: 11inches
 Page 38 of 40

E. Depth: 17 inches
COMMENTS:
Third layer of the NW lot was dug on 22_09_2017. Many findings were recorded in this layer
also the following were the important ones.

● Soil profile: the soil is mostly brown colored with burnt clay and is slightly moisturized.
● Red ware pottery: includes thick and medium ware pieces. Some neck and rim pieces were also
recorded. A shred was also found.
● Black ware pottery: Some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded.

AHN 2017
DATE: 23_08_2017
TRENCH: A8
LOT.NO: A8016
LOCUS: NW
S. Depth: 17 inches.
E. Depth: 22inches.
COMMNENTS:
Fourth layer of the NW LOT was dug on 23_09_2017. Various findings were recorded from this
layer such as red ware pottery, black ware pottery, bones etc. But the main attraction was two
more pots from this lot. One was broken but the other was whole pot.

● Black ware pottery: Some black and grey ware pieces were also recorded.
● Whole pots: Three whole pots were recorded in this layer. One pot was containing a stone lid
and the other two were containing terracotta lids.
● Bones: bones were recorded in this layer.
 Page 39 of 40

Conclusion
The main objective of the Excavation at the Ahan_2017 was to establish a more secure
chronology for the archeological remains were we found structures like terracotta pipes, pottery,
bones, and pots. Which gave the belief that the site is the Kushan site as was published by prof.
FidaHassnain.
The primary source of uncertainty regarding the dating of Seal which has been send to Russia for
dating which can prove otherwise. So more research has to be done on the Ahan excavation to
prove the actual thing.
 Page 40 of 40

References

 Stevens, S. (1997) ‘An Archaeological Evaluation at Holy Trinity School, West Hill, Dartford’
 History of Indian Archaeology: The Beginning to 1947 by Dilip K. Chakrabart.
 Research report by prof. Fidahussnain.
 Prehistory and Proto history of India: An Appraisal - Paleolithic, Non-Harappan,
Chalcolithic… by D. N. Jha.
 A Source-book of Indian Archeology by F.R. Allchin.
 Official website of Archeology of Indian http://asi.nic.in/.
 Official website of Kushan sites http://www.kushan.org/.