The journal publishes detailed excavation reports from sites across the Gangetic plain, revealing cultural sequences from the Neolithic to the medieval period.

Major Excavations

Hetapatti, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-1-02)

Excavated by J.N. Pal on the left bank of the Ganga, Hetapatti revealed a cultural sequence from Neolithic to early Iron Age across three mounds. Trench WA 4 exposed:

  • Neolithic culture (Layers 21-24, 309-340 cm below datum): hand-made red ware, animal bones, charcoal
  • Pre-NBPW/Chalcolithic (Layers 19-20): transitional deposit
  • NBPW culture (Layers 11-18): antimony rods, terracotta beads, NBPW sherds
  • Kushana period (Upper layers): brick structures, brick-paved floors, terracotta figurines, glass bangles, iron objects

Naimisharanya, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-1-02)

D.P. Tewari’s preliminary excavation report of this famous site celebrated in the Puranas and Mahabharata. The excavation pushed its antiquity back to the NBPW period.

Agiabir, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-1-03)

Ashok Kumar Singh’s detailed report of recent excavations at this multi-culture site in the Middle Ganga valley.

Barood Khera, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-1-03)

S. Husam Haider’s investigation of this multi-culture site revealed burnished OCP alongside PGW, NBPW, RW, and Glazed Ware. The site provides critical evidence for the technological sophistication of OCP pottery, with well-slipped and fired wares comparable to NBPW.

Basadila Tilatar, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh (VOL-1-03)

Vipula Dubey and Shitala Prasad Singh reported on a wooden well at this site. Notably, narrow masonry wells are still called “Kathkuiyan” (wooden well) in the local language of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, indicating cultural continuity.

Nindaur, Kaimur, Bihar (VOL-8-04)

Recent excavations by Vikas Kumar Singh et al. at this massive mound (400×500 m, ~15 m high) identified as the largest settlement between Kashi and Pataliputra. Cultural materials include Black Slipped Ware, Grey Ware, Red Ware, NBPW, Mauryan-Sunga brick structures, fortification walls of the Kushana period, and temple architectural fragments.

Gambhirwa Tola, Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh (VOL-7-03)

Excavations at this site in eastern Madhya Pradesh by Alok Shrotriya et al.

Parabhadi (Sukhuapada), Jajpur, Odisha (VOL-8-03)

Excavation report by Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak et al. at this Odishan site.

Barpali Asurgarh, Odisha (VOL-10-04)

Preliminary report on the excavation of this early historical fortified settlement.

Alamgirpur, Meerut (VOL-8-02)

Detailed ceramic assemblage analysis from excavations at this Harappan site (also see Harappan and Indus Civilization).

Other Excavation Reports

  • Siyapur excavations by Simina Margareta Stanc and D.P. Tewari (VOL-1-04)
  • Eran pottery study by U.V. Singh (VOL-2-02)
  • Tarighat and Jamraon excavations in Chhattisgarh (VOL-9-02)
  • Burzahom — echoes of Neolithic culture in the Himalayas (VOL-10-02)